Celebrating a Sensory-Friendly Halloween at Hopebridge

Communities Come Together to Create an Inclusive Halloween Season for Children with Autism.

If there is one Holiday that our Hopebridge teams go all out for, it’s Halloween. The spooky season can be such a fun time, but it takes a little preparation for some. As we reflect on the 2022 Halloween season, we can’t help but feel so thankful and proud of every single child, as well as our Hopebridge Heroes who helped make Halloween such a fun celebration for our families and their communities.  

At Hopebridge, Halloween preparation begins the first of October. Centers are decorated, costumes are worn, and the sweet treats are flowing. In an effort to help children avoid sensory overload on the night of Halloween, our ABA therapists practice for Halloween activities for weeks leading up to the big night. Costumes can be itchy and uncomfortable, so introducing pieces of a child’s costume over time can boost their confidence and encourage them to wear the costume longer by Halloween night. Trick-or-treating can also be an intimidating task. Approaching strange houses with unfamiliar people and making so many decisions can be overwhelming. By trick-or-treating within the Hopebridge centers, children learn what to expect on Halloween night, which can lead to smoother transitions and an enjoyable night for everyone.

In addition to preparing our kiddos for Halloween night, our Hopebridge Heroes extended their advocacy out into their local communities. Many of our clinicians were invited to local television stations to share more information on how community members can create an autism-friendly environment on Halloween night. They shared their best advice for caregivers and community members and helped to create an inclusive evening for all. In addition, many centers hosted their very own autism-friendly trunk-or-treat night. The teams dressed up and decorated their cars for the enjoyment of their favorite littles. These events included sensory play, allergen-free treats, and of course, a safe and inclusive space for families to enjoy Halloween fun! If you’re not yet a Hopebridge family but want your child to receive fun and effective therapy like this, don’t wait. We want your child to enjoy all the opportunities life has to offer. Send us a note to schedule a diagnostic assessment for autism, or to learn more about our applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), occupational therapy and speech therapy programs.

Blog content courtesy of Kaitlynn Coffman.

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