As Occupational Therapists, we often look at adapting classroom, home and community activities to promote inclusion. Since October is National Sensory Awareness Month, it makes ‘perfect sense’ to focus on tips to make Halloween time more about the season and less about the spookiness which can have the potential to frighten some children…especially those with special needs. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for creating a sense-ational “Fun House” with the emphasis on fun instead of fear and that encourages tactile and proprioceptive exploration as an added treat:
Use a bin or a bucket full of fidgets and have the child reach in to grab one. The Poppin Peeper Brain or Bumpy Gel Ball have squishy wiggly textures that make this activity interesting but not scary.
For children with more severe tactile avoidance issues, have them just press around the Seasons Squeeze.
Have the children crawl or scooter board through the Sensational Suds Carwash.
Finish the activity with the RollEase Rolling Pin. Have the child lie face down (on a floor or mat) and tell him he is being rolled out into pumpkin shaped cookies or that she is a pumpkin being smashed to make pumpkin pie! The deep touch pressure of this activity is sure to calm and help with transition from the Fun House back to the child’s daily routine.
Please do share your tips to make this time a year a treat!
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