Halloween’s A-Comin’!!
This may be a bit of a ramble, but I have read a couple of posts referencing Halloween and ways to prepare your kids with sensory needs or autism for trick or treating or other festive events, and it brought to mind some of the funny things that have happened with Michael.
Our First Attempt
The first year we took him out, he was only 2 and we had an adorable giraffe costume that had been handed down from an older cousin. He would not keep the hood up for love or money. He did allow us to lead him up to people, but while they were trying to give him candy, he was attempting to go past them into their house.
It occurred to me after a while that it must seem strange for a child to be taken to someone’s house but then not go inside even though the people are home, and then to keep going up to more people’s houses but never going inside for a visit!
At Daycare
The following year, the daycare he was attending went into the office building they were part of and trick or treated at the various offices. Michael was completely confused by this and had no idea what to do. This was following his diagnosis of autism, but before we really knew what to do about any of this stuff.
Fast forward to December, and the daycare went into the same office building to sing Christmas Carols. Well, this time Michael knew just what to do – he walked right up to people and said “Trick or treat”! Of course, he was quite upset that they didn’t give him candy like the first time. 
Since Then
In the years since that time, he has enjoyed Trick or Treat overall. He enjoys picking out a costume and has walked around for longer each year than the year before, ending the evening by helping me hand out candy at home, which he seems to enjoy even more!
Here’s a few of his more recent costumes – not sure what he’s going to be this year:
Superman - Age 4
Diego - Age 5
Speed Racer - Age 6
Mustard - Age 7
What are your kids going to be for Halloween?
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