Halloween Can Be Stressful, But Planning Ahead Helps

Halloween can be an overwhelming holiday for some families. Here are some Comadre tips for a successful Halloween Evening.

Start off with a social story. Predictability was always helpful for my children. They were able enjoy an activity when they knew what to expect.

Here is a link to a social story about Halloween

http://www.autismsocialstories.com/Halloween/

Here is another social story:

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/main/library_trick_or_treating.html

For some children with special needs it may be too over stimulating to go out and trick-or-treat. Before you leave your home, establish a plan. Figure out how much time your child can tolerate on an outing on a busy night.

One idea is to host a small gathering at home. You can play games, make crafts, watch a movie and make yummy homemade treats for those kids that have food allergies or intolerances.

If you plan on going out, bring a preferred toy. You can also plan ahead and pack a safe treat or snack. Again, your child is on special diet or has food sensitivities, remind them in advance you will need to make sure the candy is safe before he or she eats it.

Planning for what to wear. Children with sensory sensitives should practice wearing their costumes BEFORE an event. This will allow you to get rid of itchy tags or scratchy fabric ahead of time and prevent sensory meltdowns. Bring along an extra outfit in case you need to change.

It’s okay to skip out on wearing your costume without you mask. Some children prefer to paint their faces instead.

I came across a cool card online from A Very Special Needs Resource. If you child struggles with communication. You can carry these cards.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Halloween!

Don’t forget to tag us with your pictures on Instagram @LaComadrEdu and or share them on Facebook Page @LaComadreOurChildrenOurLegacy

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Lisette Medina Duarte

Co-Chair at State Council on Developmental Disabilities

Lisette Medina-Duarte She is a mother of two beautiful children, both of whom are are on the autism spectrum. Having one child in a charter school, and the other is in a traditional public school, Lizette is deeply committed to working with underserved and underprivileged communities. She is a grassroots organizer and finds passion in serving as an educational advocate for disability rights, and equality and inclusions for African American and Latino communities of Greater Los Angeles. In addition to managing multiple outreach, volunteer, and advocacy campaigns, Duarte’s 20 years of administrative experience includes fundraising, engagement, events, and sponsorship procurement. She is currently a member of the advisory board for UCLA’s Tarjan Center and a member of the Empowerment Congress. Duarte was appointed by former Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina to the state Council on Developmental Disabilities. She is also a member of the Community Police Advisory Board for the Northeast Los Angeles Police Department, and serves as a board member for several California nonprofits.