Halloween can be a very stressful time for children with sensory processing disorder and their families. There are costumes that are exciting and enticing but at the same time uncomfortable, even painful to wear. There are the parties that can be overwhelming with too much sound, movement, and visual input. There are those who are eager to "spook" whoever they can just looking for a little fun. They are unaware of the effect their prank can have on a sensory sensitive child. It seems that everyone is having so much fun carving pumpkins, dressing up, putting on facepaint, and celebrating. And yet, as much as a child with SPD might wish he could do all those things, it can be much too difficult. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful.guaranteed payday loans direct lenders onlyPumpkin Decorating. Carving is not the only way to make a cool pumpkin. If your child would love to make a pumpkin to be admired by all but cannot tolerate the pumpkin's slimy innards, there are alternatives to traditional carving. Pumpkins can be painted or foam shapes can be cut out and attached with pins or toothpick pieces resulting in very colorful and creative pumpkins. The surface of the pumpkin can be etched using carving tools (be careful - tools meant for wood are extremely sharp). Dremel makes a pumpkin carving attachment kit that etches the surface to make great designs without digging into the pumpkin's core. If your child has his heart set on having a pumpkin that can have a candle in the middle, then perhaps he will let you take the guts out or will try it with some gloves on.Costumes. If your child is tactile defensive, costumes are bound to be a problem. Store bought costumes are usually very itchy and uncomfortable. Homemade costumes allow you and your child to pick materials together. Don't worry about the perfect look and follow your child's lead whenever possible. All the pattern makers design halloween costumes in all sizes. Even if you don't use the patterns you can get some good ideas by looking at them. Remember, as far as costumes go, less is more.Trick or Treating. Plan ahead for trick or treating. Tell your child how much time you intend to stay out, who you will be going with, and where you will stand when they go to a front door. Practice front door etiquette. Walk the route before hand and then stick to the plan. Predictability makes everything go a bit more smoothly. If your child does not want to go trick or treating perhaps you can give them the special job of holding the bowl of candy when trick or treaters come to your house.There are times to challenge a child to try things that may be outside of his or her comfort zone and there are times to have successes and celebrate them. Holidays may be a good time to set the bar to a level at which you know your child can succeed. This can boost confidence so that, at another time, he or she may be ready for the bar to be raised just a bit higher. I hope some of these tips helps to make your Halloween less scary!Deb*/
