With a lot of novel stimuli coming at your child this Halloween, it makes sense to use Bluebee to help your child prepare for a variance in routine. The Halloween Holiday Apps listed on the website here and here are all ways to practice the sequence of what the celebration is all about. It also habituates a child to the sights and more importantly the sounds of the holiday.
By playing or engaging in Halloween activities, it will help a child learn to self-regulate in a safe environment. They can practice facing fears, learn perspective taking, and get into all sorts of scary silly fun in the comforts of home and with loved ones like Bluebee. Some kids that are sensory sensitive may need rehearsals to wear a costume or have costumes made from simple comfortable clothing. One of my sons was sensitive to the fabrics used for most costumes, and so I learned to adapt to his needs through the use of everyday clothing or a sweatshirt and pant that I could paint or alter. It made participation more about the joys of the season rather than the scratchy outfit he was made to wear. By being aware of your child’s cues and adapting – the pay-off is big. The focus is then on fun and how to use these new-found skills appropriately. The biggest plus, however, is that all actions are reinforced with laughter, family fun, and CANDY simply for partaking in the traditions!
Tips for Using Bluebee to prepare for Halloween
To Habituate to Wearing Costumes:
- Have your child dress up Bluebee in silly costumes. I have found that clothing size 6 months to a year fits Bluebee, with 6-9-months being the best fit. If dressing up Bluebee, a child can desensitize to the variations in fabrics and textures and won’t be so freaked out when trying to wear them if he/she has had familiarity with them.
- There is no need to buy new clothing, I buy most of our Bluebee clothes at a Church Thrift Shop. That way I help others and don’t spend a lot.
- And if these tips still do not work, your child can take Bluebee dressed in costume to trick-or-treat and collect candy and goodies for the two of them to share.
To Habituate to the Sounds and Loud Animated Decorations
- Visits stores if able and listen to the displays
- Play Halloween songs, games or apps to familiarize your child with the sound of ghosts, witches, and all things scary. Model appropriate behaviors and responses “Oh, that sounds like that silly ghost toy”.
- And if this does not work, sound deadening headphones may give your child relief.
To Prepare for the Big Day
- Use a visual schedule or a social story to outline the sequence of events. You can make your own social story by taking pictures of your child or using pictures of Bluebee or family members Trick or Treating.
- PLAY, PLAY, PLAY at Trick or Treating and use real treats!
- Again play games, music, and apps to ready your child for the big event.
And if you should get scared….Hold on to Bluebee tight, because FRIENDS ALWAYS get you through those tough spots!