It is incredibly important to know the signs of over-stimulation and strategies for how to help your child avoid a sensory meltdown. While trick-or-treating, be conscious of these signs and intervene at the first sign of over-stimulation. If you have followed each of our October blog posts, you are now well prepared for trick-or-treating, so get out there and have some fun!
Know the Signs of Sensory Over-Stimulation
Blank staring/”spaced-out” look
Crying
Drowsy or falling asleep unexpectedly
Rubbing eyes
Running away
Covering ears
Turning away from you
Yawning when shouldn’t be tired
Covering his/her face with hands
Fussy or cranky
Sensory Strategies to Help Your Child Avoid a Sensory Meltdown or Recover From Over-stimulation During Trick-or-Treating
Provide deep pressure at the first sign of over-stimulation (bear hugs, massage, joint compressions, etc.)
Bring a blanket that you can wrap tightly around your child to provide deep pressure
Pay attention to your environment and try to avoid triggers if possible
Allow time for transitions
Stick to the schedule
Provide your child with verbal warnings for upcoming changes and when the activity will be concluded
Bring noise reduction headphones or headphones for preferred calming music
Bring weighted blanket or vest
Bring a wagon or stroller that you can use to provide your child with calming linear rocking input
A wagon or stroller can also be used as a sensory retreat (a place for you child to remove him or herself from the situation) and take a break
Bring a fidget toy or stress ball
Have your child do heavy work activities like push a sibling in the stroller or pull a sibling in the wagon
Other: Halloween Sensory Activity Ideas
Pumpkin carving
Spider web for praxis skills
Fine motor tongs to remove spiders from sensory bin
Thank you for reading How To Have A Sensory-Friendly Halloween: Sensory Ideas for Halloween/Trick-or-Treating
Written by: Carleigh Brawley, MS, OTR/L
Lead Occupational Therapist
Tri-County Therapy
