Halloween can be an exciting, fun-filled experience for everyone when planned with inclusivity in mind. At Shrub Oak International School, we celebrate in ways that honor each student’s unique needs and preferences. Here are ten ways to plan an autism-friendly Halloween extravaganza! These are activities that we offered on our campus this year.
- Offer Sensory-Friendly Face Painting
Face painting can be a creative, non-costume option for students who prefer simpler ways to participate. Ensuring the face paint is hypoallergenic and allowing students to choose simple designs helps make this activity accessible and fun.
- Hayrides with Small Groups
Hayrides are a staple fall activity, and keeping the groups small allows students to enjoy the ride without the potential stress of large crowds or overstimulation. Planning designated hayride times for different groups can create a calm and organized environment.
- Break Trick-or-Treating into Time Slots
Designating specific trick-or-treating times for each cohort is a great way to limit overstimulation and crowding. With smaller, scheduled groups, students can enjoy the experience at a comfortable pace, and helpers can make the rounds relaxed and predictable.
- Add Structure to Trick-or-Treating
Organizing trick-or-treating with a ticket system adds structure and provides visual cues to students, letting them know they have completed each stop. This approach helps to avoid surprises and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
- Encourage Creative Expression with a Halloween Door Contest
Decorating classroom doors is an enjoyable way to channel creativity without costumes. Each group can work together to create a door design, fostering teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. To add a bit of fun, consider a small prize, like a pizza party, to reward the best-decorated door.
- Host a Costume Contest with Inclusive Guidelines
A costume contest allows students to express themselves creatively while celebrating Halloween traditions. By encouraging costumes that are simple, sensory-friendly, and optional, everyone can feel comfortable. Offering students the choice of participating or simply watching keeps it inclusive.
- Provide an Accessible Halloween Parade
A parade is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their costumes or just cheer on their peers. At Shrub Oak, our Halloween parade is organized in a familiar space where students can participate or spectate as they wish, giving everyone the freedom to choose their level of involvement.
- Create a Dedicated Photo Booth
Setting up a photo booth with familiar staff and props makes taking photos a relaxed, enjoyable activity. Students can choose their preferred time for photos, giving them the autonomy to engage at their comfort level.
- Hands-On Activities like Pumpkin Painting
Activities like pumpkin painting offer a creative, sensory-friendly option for students who prefer hands-on experiences. Using washable, non-toxic paints, students can personalize their pumpkins in a quiet setting, giving them a fun, individualized way to celebrate.
- Organize a “Not-So-Scary” Haunted House Experience
A haunted house doesn’t have to be frightening to be fun! At Shrub Oak, we’ve transformed our Life Skills House into a “not-so-scary” haunted house, creating a playful, sensory-friendly experience with Halloween-themed decorations and mild surprises. This setup allows students to enjoy the classic haunted house experience without overwhelming scares or loud noises. Staff members guide students through at their own pace, helping them engage comfortably with the decorations and gentle effects.
- End the Day with a Sensory-Friendly Movie Screening
For students who need a quiet, relaxed end to the festivities, a movie screening provides a calm, predictable environment. By offering seating options and making noise-canceling headphones available, students can comfortably wind down from the day’s activities.
Celebrating Halloween in an autism-friendly way ensures that each student can participate in the ways they find most enjoyable. From scheduled trick-or-treating to calming end-of-day activities, Shrub Oak International Schools approach highlights how Halloween can be both fun and accessible for all.
