3 Tips to Boost Social Skills and Decision-Making for Autistic Children this Halloween

As Halloween approaches, a common inquiry we receive at BeeKind is, “Should my child on the spectrum participate in Halloween celebrations?” Our answer is unequivocally yes! Disabilities, including autism, should not inhibit a child's ability to engage in festive activities. In fact, we believe Halloween presents an excellent opportunity to develop social skills, decision-making, and safety awareness. This month BeeKind is sharing three ABA based procedure tips for a ghoulishly fun and delicious Halloween based on the core concepts of ABA therapy.

Promotion of Choice Making

When presented with more than one choice, children on the spectrum are notorious for grabbing all of the items available to them. We get it, making choices can be difficult! Instead of grabbing all of the candy (or items available in a basket), parents can provide support through this choice making scenario.

Step one: Provide a verbal prompt (We only take 1 or 2 items) and pair this with a physical prompt such as holding up two finger to signify the limit of the choice.

Step two: Guide your child to the correct response, only taking two items.

Step three: Provide praise (positive reinforcement).

Practicing Fun Halloween Greetings

As tiny monsters roam the streets, you might spot masks and face paint. For children on the spectrum, this could turn face-to-face interactions into a peek-a-boo game with their favorite cartoon. To help autistic children increase social greetings try this evidence-based social greeting.

Step 1: Point out a Halloween costume that your child may like such as Bluey!

Step 2: Wave at the individual in the costume to give your child the opportunity to imitate

Hand-waving or verbally saying hello.

Step 3: As you and your child pass other Halloween costumes, assist your child in

waving and providing positive praise for each attempt.

Promotion of Safety - Teaching to Respond to Name

Parents can continue to practice safety by always implementing:

Step 1: Practice Responding to name when children are in close proximity

Step 2: Stand near your child when they are engaged in an activity.

Step 3: Say your child's name in a calm, warm, or upbeat tone.

Step 4: Immediately use a physical prompt (like a light shoulder tap) if your child does not respond independently.

Step 5: Provide positive reinforcement for your child turning/looking in your direction.

Above all, let the good times roll and remember, children on the spectrum don't have a one-size-fits-all appearance. In the eyes of all the trick-or-treating mini-monsters, every goblin is a special friend!

Are you looking for an ABA provider without waitlist? If so you've found us! BeeKind accepts children ages 2 - 18 throughout Georgia and Alabama. Get started with enrollment by clicking here.