Hallowe‘en adapted for children with special needs – Southcentre Mall Oct 29, 2017

Children with autism, mobility issues or other special needs may need support and strategies to cope with the frightening costumes, darkness, sounds, smells, large crowds and grim decor like headstones and ghouls they’ll likely see on their street.

While advance conversations can help allay many fears, the prospect of door-to-door trick or treating may prove to be too much for some.

With that in mind, Autism Calgary has partnered again with Southcentre mall to create a quiet, calm environment with special activities for families and children with autism, Asperger’s, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and ADHD.

There will be 10 stations, including some with photo opportunities, so children and their families can visit each station to “trick or treat” and take a fun photo. Hallowe‘en candy will be handed out at eight of the stations, with one station offering juice and healthy fruit snacks which do not contain peanuts, tree nuts, or gluten and no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. Additional stations will have products supplied by retailers, including limited non-food treats.

Costumes are optional for the children and not recommended for adults. Participants are asked to avoid face masks or overtly scary costumes.