Halloween is a widely anticipated holiday, but it can bring on anxiety and dread for those who suffer from food allergies, sensory overload, or certain diseases.
As a community, it’s important to educate ourselves on the physical and emotional impact these conditions have on our kids. For those children who feel excluded—and yet have to watch their costumed friends giggle as they devour Kit Kats and Snickers —we can make a difference.
Here are some simple alternatives that can help keep all our kids feel safe and included:
Colored pumpkins are a terrific visual cue for awareness. A blue pumpkin signals that a child has autism or sensory processing disorder. A teal pumpkin indicates that a house offers non-food treats (think pencils, bookmarks, and stickers!) for those with food allergies. A purple pumpkin represents epilepsy awareness.
Food allergens can impact a child’s quality of life in a major way—and are secretly disguised in non-food items too. For example, when choosing non-food “fun” items, be careful of things like moldable clay which may contain wheat. For those with celiac disease, this is a red flag. Similarly, provide non-sugary treats as an alternative choice for diabetic children (Rice Krispie treats made with stevia, anyone?).
For children who may suffer from sensory overload, providing treats in a bowl closer to the sidewalk may be helpful. This option allows them to grab candy without having to walk up (on a sometimes darkly lit pathway), ring a doorbell, and face a person with a scary mask! Children with limited mobility (or in wheelchairs) may also appreciate this easier accessibility to goodies.
Rarely do we speak of “invisible” disabilities, which can completely disrupt a child’s life. Kids with focus issues, anxious tendencies, or those with certain autoimmune conditions can also hide emotions behind their own masks. Thus, it’s best to refrain from asking things like “Why aren’t you wearing a costume?” Or, even worse, to push for an answer if you are met with silence to your question.