The countdown to Halloween is on! Everywhere you look, pumpkins and decorations are popping up — but for families raising kids with disabilities, it can feel like a lot to navigate. Flashing lights, unfamiliar crowds, tricky social interactions, and food restrictions can make a night that’s supposed to be fun feel overwhelming. Many parents find themselves thinking, “My child wants to join in, but the loud noises, the itchy costumes, and all the candy they can’t eat make it hard. How can I help them enjoy Halloween like everyone else?”
Halloween doesn’t have to look one way to be enjoyable. With a little creativity, and maybe a few tweaks (we have a ton!), you can make the night feel fun and manageable for your child. So grab the candy (and maybe those noise-canceling headphones) — we’ve got ideas and support to help your kid enjoy Halloween, their way. 🎃 Read our Halloween guide→
Top 10 parent tips for a disability-friendly Halloween
We asked our Undivided Navigators and specialists, who are experienced parents of kids with disabilities themselves, about their best tips for a successful Halloween! From sorting through safe-to-eat treats to making mobility devices part of the costume, plus ideas for teens and beyond, they’ve shared 10 must-know tips (like this one from Navigator Kelly) for a disability-friendly Halloween your whole family can enjoy.
“One thing that really worked well for my kids when they were younger is getting Halloween-themed pajamas. Both of my kids went as skeletons more than once, and they just wore those really comfortable pajamas with long sleeves and long pants. They looked super cute, and they were really comfortable.” — Kelly, Undivided Navigator
Make Halloween sensory-friendly with Social Stories and sensory diets
Traditional decorations, costumes, and spooky effects can be overwhelming for kids with sensitivities.
- Try a Social Story→ You can prime your child with a Social Story™ about how trick-or-treating looks and practice ahead of time — we’ve shared some sample Halloween social stories in our main article. And if you want to create a Halloween social story unique to your kiddo, we’ve got you covered with easy steps and a free template to get started!
- Try a sensory diet→ You can also create your own way to celebrate to limit sensory overloads. Check out our article on Sensory Processing Disorder and sensory diets for more practical tips on managing sensory challenges, examples of activities to include in a sensory diet, IEP accommodations, and more.
And if you need a little extra support, Undivided can help you find an OT, make sure your child’s sensory needs are reflected in their IEP, and more — during Halloween and all year long. Start your free trial here!
🔍 Celebrate AAC Awareness Month with discounted apps! 🔍
Many AAC app developers are offering software and memberships at 50% off during October! Check out our article here to see who’s participating and what’s available.
You know your child best, but you don’t have to figure everything out alone. As this parent shares, with the support of her Navigator, “I feel more present with my child now because the background noise has reduced.” Hear more of her story in this YouTube testimonial, then share yours with a Navigator.
Sign up here to talk to a Navigator→
RSVP for our free virtual event with Dr. Diana Fannon
Ever wonder what’s really said behind closed doors in special education? This event goes beyond the IEP table so you can understand how decisions are really made — and what families can do to make sure their child’s needs are truly heard. Join us on Thursday, November 6, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE event where Dr. Diana Fannon — former special education director, parent of a child with disabilities, and a disabled advocate herself — will answer questions and share insider insights. RSVP here→
Join us for expert office hours
Join us for office hours on Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 p.m. PT with Leslie Lobel, Undivided’s Director of Health Plan Advocacy Services. Leslie can’t help you choose a health plan, but she can answer questions about insurance claims, denials, preauthorizations, and more. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Upcoming Undivided Conversations
October 25 at 10 a.m. PT: Creating Effective Sensory Diets for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder. Want to discover how a personalized sensory diet can help your child with a sensory processing disorder? Join us in this re-streamed conversation with Kelli Smith, MS OTR/L and Dr. Marielly Mitchell, OTD, OTR/L, SIPT, SWC to learn their expert tips. Tune in on our Facebook page to watch!
From our podcast: Undivided Voices Ep. 5, Everything No One Tells You About Raising a Disabled Child
If you’ve ever felt lost trying to figure out services, insurance, or school supports for your child — you’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Kelley Coleman, a fellow parent, author, and advocate who’s spent over a decade navigating public benefits, insurance, and education for her child with multiple disabilities. Kelley shares practical tips, real-life advice, and a pep talk every parent advocate needs to hear.
Available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Listen now→
We would love to see photos of your kiddos in their Halloween costumes! Share in our private Facebook group for parents→
Do you know the ASL signs for “Happy Halloween” and “Trick or treat” for more inclusive festivities? Watch this quick Instagram reel to learn→
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Are certain disability diagnoses more likely to come with sensory processing difficulties? Hear insights from occupational therapist Kelli Smith on our YouTube channel→
Help more families, providers, and communities put on inclusive Halloween activities for kids with disabilities! Share Undivided’s resources on LinkedIn→
