15 Ways to Make Halloween Fun, Calm, and Inclusive for Everyone

Halloween can be magical – glowing pumpkins, creative costumes, and sweet treats galore!
But for many autistic and neurodiverse people, all that excitement can quickly turn into sensory overload. Flashing lights, itchy costumes, loud noises, and unexpected social moments can make the evening feel less like fun and more like chaos. The good news? With a bit of planning and creativity, Halloween can be calm, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.
Here are 15 practical tips to help make this spooky season stress-free and full of smiles.

1. Plan Ahead (and Make It Visual)
	Create a simple schedule for the evening – maybe on a whiteboard, phone app, or printed visual chart. Show what’s happening and when: costume time, trick-or-treat time, home time, and chill-out time. If surprises are tricky, go over what to expect (like loud noises or costumes) using photos, videos, or social stories.
2. Decide What Feels Comfortable
	Halloween doesn’t have to mean trick-or-treating door-to-door. You can join a local sensory-friendly event, visit just a few trusted houses, or even celebrate at home. Remind everyone that it’s okay to say, “That’s enough for me tonight.”
3. Costume Comfort Comes First
	Scratchy fabrics and tight masks can ruin the fun fast. Choose soft, breathable clothes – like a pyjama-based costume or a onesie. Costume T-shirts or themed hoodies are great alternatives for anyone who wants to join in without the sensory fuss. (Example: a pumpkin T-shirt instead of a full pumpkin suit, or a soft witch hat instead of a wig!)
4. Soften the Lighting
	Avoid flickering strobes or bright flashing decorations. Opt for warm fairy lights, pumpkin lanterns, or battery candles for a calm, cosy glow. If you’re visiting houses, bring a small torch or lantern your child can control – it gives them a sense of predictability.
5. Keep Noise Levels in Check
	Halloween can get loud – doorbells, shouts, music, and barking dogs. Noise-reducing headphones or ear defenders can be a game-changer. If you’re hosting, try calm background music instead of spooky sound effects.
6. Watch Out for Smells
	Scented candles, fog machines, and strong perfumes can be overwhelming. Go scent-free if you can – or let your child carry something that smells comforting (like a favourite hand lotion or essential oil they enjoy).
7. Build in Transition Time
	Going from excitement to calm can be tough. Plan a wind-down moment after trick-or-treating – like a movie, sensory play, or reading together. A visual timer can help signal when it’s time to move on to the next activity.
8. Create a “Calm Zone”
	At home or during events, set up a quiet space – a bedroom corner, car, or small tent – where anyone can take a break. Add fidget toys, blankets, soft lights, and maybe a snack. It’s not “missing out” – it’s recharging!
9. Pack a Sensory Toolkit
	Bring along sensory supports that help regulate and comfort. This might include fidget spinners, chewy necklaces, weighted scarves, or textured fabrics. Having familiar items nearby can make new experiences feel much safer.
10. Share Your Plans with Others
	Tell neighbours or friends ahead of time that your family celebrates Halloween in a low-sensory way. Many people are happy to turn down the music, avoid jump scares, or even offer visual cue cards instead of loud greetings.
11. Choose Treats Wisely
	If certain textures or tastes are tricky, pack your own “safe treats.” You could even do a candy swap at home – trade sweets for favourite snacks, stickers, or small toys.
12. Celebrate Creatively at Home
	Not everyone loves trick-or-treating, and that’s okay! You can host a calm movie night, carve pumpkins, decorate biscuits, or create your own costume photo booth. It’s still Halloween – just your way.
13. Include Everyone
	Autistic adults deserve an inclusive Halloween, too! Consider adult-friendly events like movie screenings, sensory-friendly meetups, or quiet cafés with themed treats. Everyone deserves a bit of spooky fun at their comfort level.
14. Practice Social Moments
	If saying “Trick or Treat!” feels stressful, practice together or come up with alternatives. A simple smile, wave, or printed card saying “Happy Halloween!” works perfectly. Communication doesn’t need to look the same for everyone.
15. Remember: You Set the Rules
	There’s no “right” way to do Halloween. You can celebrate big, small, or not at all. What matters is that everyone feels respected, safe, and included. Halloween should be about joy, not pressure – so make it your own version of spooky fun!