Little Puddins blog: Autism and preparing for Halloween
FOR many special needs families this time of year can bring sad, wistful feelings. You can often feel 'outside' of seasonal traditions most neurotypical families experience so easily.
My own family has had a disjointed experience of Halloween over the years. I would usually bring Hailey trick or treating while her little brothers stayed at home.
My boys have in the past found dressing up, trick or treating, the unexpected late evening knocks on the door and faces full of Halloween make-up too much to handle, too outside of their 'normal daily life'. For those reasons we couldn’t decorate the house too much, we had to get to the door before the doorbell would ring, and Hailey would be the only one dressed up for Halloween.
It hurt my heart at times, thinking of my little boys missing out on Halloween traditions I treasured growing up. I felt guilt for Hailey that I couldn’t decorate our house like our lovely neighbour’s adorned home.
What I came to realise - and I promise you will too - is that one day you will come to a point of acceptance. You will inherently understand that life is what you make of it. If your child is happy at home away from all the hustle and bustle of Halloween, that is what is most important for them. If your child wants to trick or treat but not wear a costume, that is fine too!
If your child can’t handle Halloween at all, but you have other children in your household to think of, find a balance that works for you all. For more Halloween advice and free printable social stories go to www.littlepuddins.ie.
Remember, you can only do your best.
Until next time,
Amanda McGuinness
(Read Amanda's Little Puddins column in our print edition on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month)