Halloween is a time when little boys and ghouls get to trick-or-treat and be scary! It also means your child will be experiencing a holiday with events that they might not be accustomed to: asking strangers for candy, creepy costumes, and large crowds. Here are a few simple ideas you can use to make sure your child is prepared to be spooky and have fun this Halloween.

• Prepare for the day: Remind your child early on what Halloween is to help them adjust to the holiday. You can find books, songs, and pictures to familiarize them with the sights and sounds of Halloween. Role playing is also an excellent way to help set expectations and boundaries for your child. For example, explain one-on-one how trick-or-treating works and perform a practice run! Have the child knock on your front door, or the door of someone they know and feel safe with, like a grandparent, and let them experience trick-or-treating first-hand before the big day.

• Creative Costuming: Children with sensory sensitivity may not enjoy wearing itchy or loose fitting costumes. Masks are a challenge too because they restrict breathing and vision. Face paint can be sticky and has an odor. A poorly planned costume can cause trouble, so let your child dress up in advance to test how the costume fits and if they are comfortable. Remember, a little imagination can go a long way. You can make a fun and memorable costume for your child using their wardrobe and a few accessories. Own a green sweater and an orange headband? Bam! They're a Ninja Turtle! How about a soft skirt and a crown? Wow! They’ve been transformed into a lovely princess.

• To Trick-or-Treat, or Not? You don’t have to take your child trick-or-treating. Try some other fall activities with them instead. Some children enjoy feeling the texture of skinless grapes or the inside of a pumpkin. Why not visit an orchard with your family and pick apples? You could also make a bonfire and roast pumpkin seeds in your backyard.
  If your child would like to participate in trick-or-treating, but you don’t feel they would be comfortable going out, have them hand out candy instead. Often, children enjoy giving candy just as much as receiving it.

• Know When to Stop: If you choose to take your child out trick-or-treating or to a party, limit the duration and number of houses visited. Make sure they are in a neighborhood that is familiar to them, and know when it’s time to go home.

The best line of defense against bacteria and viruses is a good offense. Check out these guidelines for preventing the spread of the flu at home and at school. Remember, school-aged children are at a higher risk of contracting the flu and other nasty germs, so it’s important to talk about sanitation at home and in the classroom.

• Immunizing your family before or during flu season is one of the best preventive steps you can take. Yes, shots are a little scary but necessary for keeping your children happy and healthy in the long-run. Talk to your kids before seeing your doctor or local pharmacist and inform them about the shot and why it is important they have one. Ask your doctor if you can get your flu shot with your child so it doesn’t seem as frightening. Flu season is a great opportunity to be a role model. Get your shot first to show your child that it isn’t as scary as they imagine.

• Make hand washing a habit. There’s nothing quite like good old fashioned soap and water to cut down on the spread of bacteria and viruses. To help your child remember to wash their hands thoroughly have them sing the Happy Birthday song twice in a row. Remember, it takes about 20 seconds to get hands clean!

• Teach your child to cover coughs and sneezes in the crook of their elbow. Not only is covering your mouth polite, but it's also proven to be safer in preventing the spread of germs compared to coughing or sneezing into your hands. Also, show them how to use tissues for runny noses instead of their sleeve.

It’s tempting to bundle up your little one so they won’t catch a cold as the temperature starts to drop, but children with sensory sensitivities don’t always enjoy restrictive or heavy attire. Scratchy clothing tags, elastic bands, and itchy socks can be an issue, too. Here are three kinds of clothing you should be looking for this season to keep your child warm but comfortable.

1. Soft Materials: Try to purchase clothing made from soft, lightweight materials. Fleece or terry cloth are perfect for children with sensory sensitivities as the fabrics are warm and move with the child. Also, try long underwear like a Bodysuit Barrier Garment to layer your child without them feeling too restricted.
2. Weighted Clothing: Compression vests and weighted coats can help keep your child cozy and comfortable. Weighted clothing feels like the child is receiving a hug and helps promote body awareness and focus.
3. Fun Shapes: Who says mittens and hats have to look a certain way? For example, fluffy, colorful fleece gloves like these anemone sensory mittens keep your child toasty and stop them from scratching themselves. Make fall and winter wear exciting by finding fun clothes.