Halloween can be an exciting (and overwhelming) time for your toddler or preschooler with autism. New costumes, flashing lights, unexpected sounds, and unfamiliar routines can make the big night feel really stressful.

With just a few simple practice runs, you can make Halloween fun and predictable for your kid.

In this week’s group parent coaching session, we’re focusing on Halloween Practice Runs; short, fun, and structured activities that help your child feel confident and ready to go trick-or-treating.

Below, you’ll find examples from our Halloween Countdown Calendar that show exactly how to build comfort, teach communication skills, and promote safety, one small step at a time.

Explore Decorations Together

Take a walk through your neighborhood or local store and point out Halloween decorations. Talk about what you see: “That’s a pumpkin! That’s a ghost!” If your child seems a little nervous, take pictures and review them later at home to help them become more familiar with everything.

ABA Tip: Narrating and labeling objects helps your child develop language.

Do a Mini Trick-or-Treat at Home

Set up a few doors in your house with family members or even stuffed animals behind them. Practice knocking, saying “Trick or Treat,” and receiving a small toy or snack.

Why it Works: Role-play teachers your kid what to expect on Halloween night.

Role-Play with Siblings, Friends, or Stuffed Animals

Have siblings or friends take turns being the candy giver. Use simple visuals or a story strip to show each step (knock, greet, hold out bag, say thank you).

Skill Focus: Turn-taking, waiting, and social communication.

Practice “Trick or Treat” Communication

Your child can say the phrase, use a speech device, hold up a visual card with the words “Trick or Treat,” or just hold out their candy bag.

ABA Strategy: Provide immediate praise or a favorite item after each successful communication attempt.

Walk Your Planned Route

If your child struggles with transitions or new environments, take a short walk along your trick-or-treat route during the day. Talk about which houses you'll go to before going back home.

Pro Tip: Bring a map with picture icons for each stop.

Introduce Glow Sticks or Flashlights

Practice holding a flashlight or wearing glow bracelets at home. Your kid might enjoy the extra light, and it will make them easier to spot in a crowd.

Safety Skill: “Hold my hand when the light is on” can be a clear, simple rule.

Talk About Safety Rules with Visuals

Use pictures to show safety expectations: staying with an adult, walking on the sidewalk, holding hands, and waiting at the curb.

Visual Supports make abstract rules clear and easier to remember for young children.

Practice Saying “Thank You”

Whether through words, a gesture, or a picture card, practice how your child can say thank you after receiving candy.

Social Goal: Reinforcing polite interactions builds positive community experiences.

Practice Knocking or Ringing the Doorbell

For some kids, the sound of a doorbell can trigger a meltdown. Practice taking turns pressing the button or knocking softly to get used to the sound.

Sensory Tip: Record the sound and play it quietly at first, increasing the volume as your child becomes more comfortable.

Practice Walking Up to a Neighbor’s Door

Ask a friendly neighbor if your kid can practice walking up during the day when it’s quiet. Pair the visit with a preferred treat or high-five for bravery!

Confidence Builder: Repeated practice reduces anxiety and builds independence.

Review Your Visual Halloween Schedule

Create a simple visual schedule of the big night (getting dressed, walking outside, trick-or-treating, coming home, and eating one piece of candy). Review it daily leading up to Halloween.

ABA Tip: Predictability reduces problem behaviors.

Practice Waiting with Other Kids

Simulate the wait time your child might experience in a line or group. Use timers, songs, or small fidget toys to make waiting more tolerable.

Reinforce Success: Provide praise or a small reward after each successful wait.

Halloween doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With practice, visuals, and role-play, you can prepare your child for success, one small, supported step at a time.

If you’d like guided support and examples of how to individualize these practice runs for your child, sign up for Parent Coaching with our BCBA team at The Behavior Place.