Halloween Scaries: How Halloween can increase anxiety and how to approach the challenge to increase the fun.

Why Halloween Can Be Challenging for Kids with Speech Anxiety

Many Halloween traditions involve social interactions, including:

🎃 Talking to neighbors while trick-or-treating

👻 Responding to questions about their costume

🦇 Attending noisy, crowded parties or events

🍬 Saying "thank you" after receiving candy

For children who struggle with verbal communication, these situations can feel demanding and unpredictable. Even without anxiety regarding using the voice, holidays involving costumes tend to increase anxiety for many children. The social expectations that comes with a “right way” of having success can be tricky to navigate.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Successful Halloween

1. Practice Trick-or-Treating at Home 🍭

Rehearsing at home helps ease anxiety! Try to find the right challenge for your child based on where they are in meeting engagement and talking goals in treatment.

✔ Role-playing different trick-or-treat scenarios.

✔ Practicing nonverbal alternatives, like holding up a card that says "Trick or Treat!" (if appropriate)

✔ Teaching simple responses, like nodding or waving instead of speaking.

This familiarity makes the real experience feel less intimidating.

2. Choose a Comfortable Costume 🦸‍♂️

Costumes can be fun, but some children may feel uncomfortable in bulky, restrictive outfits. Choose one that:

🧥 Feels comfortable and sensory-friendly.

😌 Provides a sense of security (like a favorite character or mask).

🗣️ Encourages nonverbal communication (e.g., a superhero who gives thumbs-ups instead of speaking or running).

The more comfortable your child feels, the more confident they'll be!

3. Set Realistic Expectations & Go at Their Pace 🚶‍♀️

Not every child will be ready to say "trick-or-treat" right away—and that’s okay! Start with:

✅ Visiting familiar houses first.

✅ Letting siblings or friends lead while they follow behind.

✅ Taking breaks or using a progress check chart to support

A low-pressure approach makes the experience more enjoyable for your child.

4. Provide a Trick-or-Treat Alternative 🎭

If traditional trick-or-treating feels too overwhelming, try:

🏠 A small gathering with close family or friends.

🧺 A Halloween scavenger hunt in your backyard.

🎃 Visiting a quiet fall festival instead of crowded trick-or-treat routes.

Adapting the experience to your child's comfort level ensures they still get to participate and have fun at the right level for your family.

5. Celebrate Their Efforts—No Matter How Small! 🎉

Progress looks different for every child. Whether they:

💛 Greet one neighbor, even with a wave.

💛 Wear a costume they love with confidence.

💛 Simply enjoy the experience without stress—

That’s a win!

Praising any effort helps build positive associations with social experiences.

Making Halloween a Fun & Inclusive Experience 🎃

With the right preparation and a focus on your child’s comfort, Halloween can be a fun and positive experience! Every child celebrates differently, and that’s okay. The goal is to create happy memories while respecting your child’s unique needs and current level of engagement.

Wishing you a spooky, safe, and speech-friendly Halloween! 👻🎃