Halloween (like Christmas) can be a very overwhelming time of year for autistic people. The activities, the costumes, change in routines, it can be a lot to manage. Here are some tips to help you when going to the pumpkin patch or other ‘trick or treating’
PUMPKIN PATCH/ HALLOWEEN FARM
Before You Go
1. Research the venue:
○ Check if the venue offers SEN session/ quiet hours/ reduce sensory options
○ Ask for wheelchair/ buggy-accessible areas, changing facilities.
○ Contact the venue and ask about crowd levels, noise, or strobe lighting in Halloween displays if necessary
2. Plan timing wisely:
○ Go early in the day or on a weekday (if they are open)
○ Avoid dusk or evening events if your child is sensitive to noise or flashing lights. Alternatively, take sunglasses and ear defenders to help reduce some of the input.
3. Prepare with visuals:
○ Use social stories/ show the venue website so the person can see the venue ahead of the visit.
○ Talk through the steps arriving, walking around, choosing a pumpkin, perhaps paying or riding a tractor, etc.
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4. DON’T FORGET:
○ Ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget tools, comforter
○ Snacks and drinks
○ A comfort item if your child uses one.
○ Wipes and hand sanitiser – there may be a lot of mud!
When You’re There
1. Go at your child’s pace –○ Let them explore
○ It’s okay if they just want to watch or don’t like the feel of the mud/pumpkin. Give them the option
2. Be mindful of sensory overload:
○ Tractor rides, music, and Halloween decorations can be loud or visually intense.
○ Take sensory breaks or head back to the car if needed — having an “exit plan” helps.
Short And Sweet
Always my motto for days out..arrive early and leave early! Don’t drag the day or activity out for the sake of it, always finish on a high. If you have only been there an hour or two, that’s okay.
Also, if possible ask another trusted and reliable adult to come too, the extra pair of hands and eye will be a great help for you.
TREAT OR TREAT
1. Prepare and Plan Ahead
Talk About What Halloween Is
● Use social stories, photos, or videos to explain what will happen (decorations, costumes, people knocking on doors, etc.).
● Practise phrases like “trick or treat” or “no thank you” if your child enjoys role-playing.
● Let them know it’s okay if they don’t want to dress up or go out.
● If your child is non verbal/ has limited language perhaps provide the sunflower lanyard. There are some resources/pendants that you can buy online that help indicate to people that the child is non verbal. –
Dibsy Designs (linked below) have some halloween themed pendants which can link onto your sunflower lanyard
Alternatively, make your own or ensure the child has someone to assist them.
Visual Schedule
● Show the plan for the evening with pictures:
Get dressed → go outside → knock on doors → come home → treat time → relax.
Timing
● Go earlier in the evening before it’s dark and noisy.
● Or skip trick-or-treating entirely and plan your own home-based celebration.
Costumes and Sensory Comfort
● Choose tag-free, non-restrictive outfits. One of my children never has a costume as such, so we opt for a normal tshirt/ jumper/ dress with a halloween theme. Pyjamas are always a great option!
● Consider face paint alternatives (stickers, hats, or simple accessories) if textures or smells are an issue.
● Bring spare clothes in case they need to change.
Sensory-Friendly Decorating
● Keep decorations simple and minimal
● Let your child help decorate, it can reduce anxiety.
● Try pumpkin painting instead of carving — less mess, safer tools, and more creative freedom!
Alternative Activities
Not every child enjoys trick-or-treating — and that’s perfectly okay! Try:
● A Halloween scavenger hunt around the house or garden.
● Pumpkin sensory play — scooping, painting, or sorting seeds.
● Movie night with themed snacks.
● Glow-in-the-dark playtime with torches or fairy lights.
● Crafts like decorating paper pumpkins or making “monster faces” from playdough.
