There are lots of different ways to help prepare your child for Halloween and trick or treating.
First of all, you can make sure that their costume is comfortable and sensory friendly (tips on that here). That way you can help with sensory regulation and reduce the possibility of sensory overload while wearing the actual costume.
You can also read a social story about trick or treating. That way they know what to expect.
You can also practice some different scripts to say while trick or treating. However, some kids are non-speaking or minimally speaking and shut down in overwhelming situations, which trick or treating can definitely be. So mouth words might become unreliable to them.
Well, that's where these free printable trick or treat AAC cards come in handy. They're a great way to help kids communicate on Halloween, whether they're non-speaking or words simply escape them during overwhelming situations.
About the Free Printable Trick or Treat AAC Cards
As mentioned above, these cards are perfect for kids who might get overwhelmed while trick or treating, are non-speaking or minimally speaking, and/or use AAC to communicate. They're a great alternative to using mouth words.
This set of Halloween AAC cards includes:
- Four that say "Trick or Treat" paired with a colorful clipart image (one has larger text for easier viewing)
- Two that say "Thank you" paired with a colorful clipart image
- Two that say "Happy Halloween" paired with a colorful clipart image (one has larger text for easier viewing)
Simply print off the page, pick the card(s) that your child likes the best, and cut them out.
Ideally, you want one that says "Trick or Treat" and one that says either "Thank you" or "Happy Halloween" as a goodbye greeting. Then put the two cards back to back so that they're reversible while trick or treating.
You could also opt to pick three cards total (i.e., trick or treat, Happy Halloween, and thank you) and use all three during trick or treating.
Whether you're using only one card, going the suggested two cards double sided route, or opting for three individual communication cards, I do recommend that you laminate them for durability. And also for weather proofing, especially if there is a chance of snow or rain on Halloween.
Once they're laminated, you can put them on a lanyard or your child's trick or treat bag (for maximum visibility), put them on a keyring bracelet (something like these would be great!) to use as needed, or carry them in your hands or pockets. Then your child can show the cards' messages while trick or treating instead of having to rely on mouth words.
Alternatively, parents or caregivers who are accompanying their child can hand their child a card to show when knocking at someone's door, while also modeling the phase/gestalt (optional).
Download the Free Printable Trick or Treat Communication Cards
