Halloween is filled with excitement; glowing pumpkins, friendly neighbors, and endless candy! But for many young kids with autism, the social parts of Halloween (saying hello, knocking on doors, or thanking someone for candy) can be tricky and feel overwhelming.

That’s where this week’s parent coaching topic, Social Spooks, comes in. With a little practice and support, you can help your child build social confidence and feel included in the fun.

These strategies from our 31-Day Autism-Friendly Halloween Challenge are designed to make those social moments more predictable and less stressful, so your kid can shine on Halloween night.

Role-Play Trick-or-Treating

Start simple! Set up a few “practice doors” at home with siblings, friends, or even stuffed animals behind them. Have your child knock, say “Trick or Treat,” hold out their bag, and wait for a treat.

Why It Helps:
Role-playing teaches the social routine in a calm, familiar setting. Knowing what happens next reduces anxiety and builds independence.

Practice a Communication Method for “Trick or Treat”

Not every child will say “Trick or Treat” verbally, and that’s okay! You can teach your child to:

• Use an AAC device

• Hold up a “Trick or Treat” picture card

• Wave or make a simple gesture instead

ABA Strategy: Reinforce every communication attempt with immediate praise or a preferred item. The goal is successful participation, not perfection.

Practice Saying (or Showing) “Thank You”

After each pretend candy exchange, model or prompt a thank you. This can be a word, a gesture, or showing a visual card that says “thank you.”

Why It Helps:
Rehearsing this social exchange helps your child build confidence and creates positive community interactions on the big night. It also teaches an important life skill, responding to kindness with kindness.

Practice Walking Up to a Neighbor’s Door

Ask a friendly neighbor if your child can practice walking up and greeting them during the day. Encourage your child to wave, smile, or use their practiced “Trick or Treat” method.

Why It Works:
Practicing in the actual environment helps generalize the skill. When Halloween night arrives, it’s no longer “new,” it’s familiar and safe.

Practice Waiting with Other Kids

Set up short waiting games at home, such as waiting in line to get a snack or take turns with toys. Use timers, songs, or small fidgets to make waiting fun.

ABA Tip: Teaching waiting and turn-taking ahead of time helps your child handle the lines and small delays that come with trick-or-treating.

Review Safety Rules with Visuals

Before heading out, use simple visuals or pictures to show expectations like:

• Stay with an adult

• Hold hands when crossing the street

• Wait for your turn at each door

Why It Matters:
Visual supports give children clear, consistent reminders that help prevent confusion, especially in stimulating environments like Halloween night.

Building Confidence Step-by-Step

Each small “social rehearsal” you do this month builds your child’s confidence, communication, and ability to connect with others. Over time, these skills extend beyond Halloween, into family gatherings, birthday parties, and classroom routines.

Remember: every successful interaction, no matter how small, is a step toward social independence.

Need More Guidance?

If you’d like personalized strategies for building your child’s social and communication skills, not just for Halloween, but all year long, join our Parent Coaching Program at The Behavior Place.

You’ll learn how to use ABA-based tools that work in real life, with expert BCBA support every step of the way.

Or, if you’re not ready for coaching just yet, you can still join our Parenting Community. It’s free for life right now for families who sign up this week!

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