Published:
10/11/2011 08:54pm
10 Tips for Scaring Away Halloween Fears
October may be the month many children look forward to for costumes, candy, and parties with creepy ghouls and goblins but all of this may not be your Autistic child's cup of tea. Every child is different and unique yet it is typical for almost all of them to develop anxieties and fears at some point in their childhood. Children with special needs, especially those with sensory issues and those on the autism spectrum, tend to be more sensitive or prone to acquire fears that may linger past the typical developmental stage that appear in other children.
The usual fears of the dark, masks, monsters and things that go bump in the night begins to surface around the age of three for most children regardless of abilities. This occurs just as your child's imagination and sense of creativity starts to evolve. Fears develop as the imagination begins to blossom and the distinction between real and unreal sometimes becomes more difficult to detect. This is a normal part of development, a time when children need our guidance to help them tell the difference and begin to develop skills to address their fears on their own.
Most children get beyond this stage without much of a commotion yet others seem to get stuck in a scary place for longer than we would like. With Halloween approaching these fears can easily escalate if we aren't paying attention or are confused about how to address them. If your child is not looking forward to the tricks and treats that this season brings and their anxiety is causing you angst, don't dismay, here are ten ideas for scaring these frights away.
1. Ask why and listen. Halloween presents a wonderful opportunity to talk about fear in a controlled environment. Opening up a conversation with your child and listening without judgment can go a long way in reducing fears. Be cautious though about making this the topic of every conversation because this will only overindulge their fears and make them grow.
2. Validate feelings. Never tell a child there is nothing to be afraid of. It is important to accept any and all of their fears as real for them. Validating a child's worries, doubts and fears is the first step towards normalizing them. You can also try sharing stories of your childhood fears but try to elaborate more on how you conquered them then on what they were.
3. Separate fear from danger. It is important to help young children determine the difference between fear and danger. There are many things in this world we may fear that will never hurt us but actually help us. And there are those things, such as fire, that we need to fear for our own safety because it is dangerous and will hurt us.
4. Find the right balance. Don't force, pressure or coerce your child to do something they are fearful of because it may backfire on everyone and make things worse. You know best where your child's breaking point is. Be mindful of finding that middle ground, that place of gentle encouragement somewhere between being too pushy or giving in by avoiding the issue.
5. Take baby steps. If you want your child to get over her fear of masks, gradually expose her to the concept. Begin by inviting her to draw and make her own mask. Next step - cut it out and wear it when ready. Next step -Take pictures of her with it on and off and then look at them together. Next - Look at a book of different masks people have made. Next - Highlight the fact that she is able to put her mask on and take it off as she wishes. Then let her know she can make that same request of others. Be patient and don't rush, even though it may take weeks or months to accomplish the steps above.
6. Communicate with others. Remember that you are not the only one with a sensitive child whether they are on the spectrum or not. Talk to schools, churches, teachers, neighbors, friends and family about ways to make Halloween user friendly and safe for all children. You will be surprised to find out just how many listening ears there are out there.
7. Have your own party. If you can't be sure what will happen at a party your child is invit
