OT Tip for Halloween: Prepare for the Unexpected!

Halloween can be a lot for little bodies—costumes, crowds, loud noises, new people, different routines, and lots of excitement!

Try these OT-friendly strategies to make the evening smoother:

• Practice the plan ahead of time: Talk through what will happen using simple language or a visual schedule.

• Let your child choose: Give choices about costumes, accessories, or whether they want to participate in certain activities.

• Plan for sensory overload: Bring headphones, a comfort item, or identify a quiet space for breaks.

• Get movement in beforehand: A little heavy work—animal walks, pushing/pulling, jumping, or carrying something heavy—can help prepare the body for a busy evening.

• Take breaks before they’re needed: Don’t wait until your child is overwhelmed. Build in short movement or quiet breaks.

• Keep expectations flexible: Your child doesn't have to trick-or-treat at every house, wear the full costume, or stay out the whole time.

 At Creating Connections OT, we’re here to help your child thrive—emotionally, physically, and socially. If this post resonated with you and you're wondering what the next step looks like, our New Client Page has everything you need. From what to expect in your first session to how we support your child’s unique goals, it’s all just a click away.