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Did you know that National Pumpkin Day is October 26th? To celebrate, we thought it would be fun to share a few fun pumpkin-themed activities that PCAs and parents can try out with children in need of pediatric home care! Halloween should be an exciting time of year for all children to enjoy, regardless of any behavioral or physical disabilities.
To help you and your family get ready for Halloween, here are some pumpkin crafts for kids that you can try, as well as some activities ideal for children with sensory issues.
Carving a pumpkin is a central part of Halloween for many people. For kids with autism, incorporating different textures and sensory options can make it an even more enriching experience.
For example, putting bright lights inside the pumpkin instead of the traditional tea light can help kids to see the patterns better, especially if they are visually impaired. You can also use light-boxes to throw interesting shadows up onto the wall for an even more immersive experience.
In addition, children with autism enjoy sensory boxes. Therefore, you'll want to customize it for the season by putting plenty of cinnamon, clove, and pumpkin spice in the box, along with a pumpkin of course, so your child can experience the different textures, smells, and Halloween fun.
For some children with autism, however, carving a pumpkin can be a sensory trigger, involving a lot of noise, smells, and strange sensations. For those who prefer not to carve a pumpkin, there are plenty of other options to still get involved in spooky season.
Let's review three:
Pumpkin Decorating: You can still decorate pumpkins by painting the outsides of them. Offer glitter, different types of paint, or stickers to fit your child.
Pumpkin Drawings: You can also color pumpkin drawings or draw them yourself, to mimic the action of carving without any of the mess.
Pumpkin Baking: At the end of the day, Halloween is often centered around candy. You could step away from real pumpkins altogether and try out some Halloween baked treats. Roll up your sleeves and decorate some spooky cookies of ghosts, pumpkins, or other common images of the holiday.
Whatever you choose to do, try to match it to activities that your child already knows and loves so they don’t get overwhelmed. And above all—have fun!
Want more low-sensory tips to bring in the holidays? Reach out to our team at Best Care. We have plenty of resources and tips to ensure everyone has fun in a way that fits their unique needs!
