This mini-series of Yotism blogs will focus on how to support the adult, parent or professional, working with an autistic person as well as the individual on the spectrum.
We are fast approaching the time of year where social calendars fill up and secular celebrations kick in. It is the time of year where we get excited about trick-or-treating, fireworks and family get-togethers. It is the time of year where we relish the social vibe, the break from routine and out of the ordinary experiences. However, in all of this “time of year fun” for those on the spectrum all of this can be an overwhelming sensory and processing experience which can lead to heightened anxiety, overloading of the nervous system and an increase in meltdowns and stimming responses.
A new or different situation can cause anxiety and uncertainty for those on spectrum. Halloween creates a series of challenging situations from different clothes (costumes), social interactions with strangers (trick or treating), sensory overload (increased number of interactions and experiences) and changes in daily schedules (school timetables and after school routines).
EXPLORE
It is key to support our young people in the choices they make while allowing them to engage in the decisions made for them during Halloween. In order to feel safe and in control of their Halloween decisions, try a relaxation technique such as the 1-2-3 Breathe. This can be done by modelling and counting three breathes on the fingers and encouraging them to do do this independently as a self-regulatory tool. The 1-2-3 breath creates a physical space to come back to themselves. Breath holding is common for autistic individuals when in heightened states of flight, fright and flight and by releasing this through a simple technique oxygenates the body’s cells aiding a calm, relaxed body and mind.
Explore different ways to include ASD individuals in the fun. Wearing costumes can present sensory issues with scratchiness and itchiness of different fabrics. If there is a fixation to be a particular character be creative in your approach; buy a size larger so that the costume can slip over the clothes they find comfortable or adapt a hoodie with the character traits sewed on. There are a number of ideas we have pinned for you at Sensory Halloween Costumes.
PREPARE
Explain what is going to happen. This can be channeled through social stories, by generating conversations in the day-to-day during the weeks leading up to Halloween and by doing dry runs of scenarios, costume wearing and conversation role-plays. Bring the outside to their world – meet them where they are at – explore Halloween in a way that makes sense to the specific needs of your child.
Using yoga nidras around a particular event helps to create the importance of self-worth, increase a wider awareness of the world and its events, restore inner clam and reduce tension that can build up over the uncertainty of upcoming events.
Some examples are:
I am special
I am me
I can dress up as whoever
I want to
I am special
I am great
I can go and trick or treat
I am special
I am brave
I can carve a jack-o-lantern
DO
Halloween has arrived and its time to go and immerse the ASD person in the frivolities that await. Start this experience with the tools that you have previously set for the day. Repeat the mantras in a grounding pose such as the tree, use the 1-2-3 breath to create a space of inner calm and regulation and use your social stories as a reminder of what may happen.
You may want to consider heading out a little earlier to avoid too many sights, sounds and smells that my trigger a sensory overload.
Really useful tips, to include everyone in Halloween fun 🎃 👻