Written by: Cydia Walker, OTR-L
We all experience the world through different “lenses” or profiles informed by our sensory preferences. Have you ever wondered how your child may experience Halloween through their sensory profile?
*Disclaimer: One person can fit more than one of the following sensory profiles. However, we hope this will help parents have some insight into how their children would experience Trick or Treating. You can also check out our previous blog post on sensory strategies for Halloween and beyond: Sensory strategies for Halloween & Beyond: | Childs Play Therapy Center
Sensory Seeking: Sensory Seekers obtain sensory input typically at rates more than others their age. In a trick-or-treating situation, this may translate into running down the street to look at the really cool house with flashing lights, without waiting to see if Mom/Dad/Siblings are behind them.
- Potential Sensory Supports: Try going on a “decorations tour” ahead of Halloween night, in order to see all of the decorations ahead of time, with the idea that if they are already familiar, they will not be as much of a draw away from the group. Also, prior to the “big day”, your family could play games that practice impulse control, such as “Red Light, Green Light” or “Freeze Dance”. Trunk or Treating may also be a less stimulating environment as well, but still plenty of fun!
Sensory Avoidant: Sensory Avoiders are bothered by sensory input, typically at rates more than others their age. In a trick-or-treating situation, this may translate into refusing to walk up to the door of the house with flashing lights and fog machines.
- Potential Sensory Supports: Try going on a “decorations tour” ahead of Halloween night, in order to see all of the decorations ahead of time, and then you can decide whether or not you need to plan a route away from overstimulating houses. Trunk or Treating may also be a less stimulating environment as well, but still plenty of fun!
Sensory Sensitive: Sensory Sensors detect sensory input, typically at rates more than others their age. In a trick-or-treating situation, this may translate into becoming overwhelmed by the conversations of other trick-or-treaters passing by and the smell of fog machines from a block away.
- Potential Sensory Supports: A conversation ahead of time about previous trick-or-treating years may help prepare your kids for what is to come, as well as help pinpoint what may be the main overstimulating factor. Ear protection, such as noise-cancelling headphones, is a great investment, and with the amount of colors available, they can complement almost every costume. A trunk or treat may be a good compromise, as they are typically shorter in length, so you would only have to tolerate a non-preferred environment for a short amount of time.
Low Registration: Sensory Bystanders miss out on sensory input, typically at rates more than others their age. In a trick-or-treating situation, this may translate into running into other kids on the sidewalk while focused on counting all the treats in their bag.
- Potential Sensory Supports: Try taking breaks off of the “main path” to people watch, encouraging situational awareness. As trunk or treats typically take place in parking lots, where other cars may be nearby, we would recommend practicing parking lot safety rules beforehand.
Every client of Child’s Play Therapy Center and their families are invited to join us for our first annual Trunk or Treat on 10/18/25, between 1-3 pm at our University Square Drive Location! Candy and non-candy sensory-friendly alternatives will be available.
References
Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory Profile 2. Pearson Assessments.
