Make Halloween Magical (Yet Manageable) for Children with Down syndrome

Hello, our GiGi’s Playhouse community! We are here to give you some insight and tips on how to make
Halloween magical and manageable for your child with Down syndrome. Halloween is an exciting time
and experience, but for children with Down syndrome, the experience can often feel overwhelming. Bright
lights, loud noises, scary decorations, and social expectations can create sensory overload. Still, there’s
joy in the season. Your child may delight in choosing their costume, crafting decorations, and carving
pumpkins, even if trick-or-treating isn’t their favorite. These simple joys can make Halloween special while
honoring your child’s unique needs. Here are practical, support strategies to help turn Halloween into an
enjoyable experience tailored for your child:

Fun Alternatives to Neighborhood Trick-Or-Treating
● Movie Night: Cozy up with popcorn and a family-friendly Halloween movie.
● Bake Night: Decorate Halloween inspired cupcakes or cookies.
● Game Night: Play board games with festive tunes and treats.
● Craft Night: Carve pumpkins or create crafts like coloring pages or canvas paintings.

Sensory-Friendly Trick-Or-Tricking (If You Choose to Go)
● Choose Comfortable Costumes: Soft fabrics, no masks or face paint.
● Go Early: Start right at the beginning of trick-or-treat hours – before it gets dark or crowded.
● Troubleshoot Potential Challenges: Bring a wagon and/or noise-canceling headphones.

Food Allergy – Friendly Tips
Even if your child doesn’t have allergies, these ideas support inclusivity:
● Non-Edible Treats: Hand out stickers, temporary tattoos, spider rings, or notepads.
● Pre-Made Safe Treat Lists: Let your child choose from candies you know are allergy-safe.
● Make Sorting Fun: Watch a Halloween movie while sorting candy – removing unsafe items and
replacing them with safe alternatives.

Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful, it just needs intention. Remember, Halloween isn’t about how
many houses you visit or how much candy ends up in the bucket, it is about making memories that feel
happy, safe, and joyful for your child. By honoring your child’s preferences and sensory profile, you can
share the fun your own way! From all of us at GiGi’s – we wish you and your family a safe, fun, and truly
magical Halloween!

If you are interested in attending our Playhouse Halloween Party on October 29th, please register you and who all plans on attending here: https://gigisplayhouse.org/tampa/sfcalendar/?eventId=a0VVS000002CLnX2AW