To help ensure a fun time for everyone this spooky season, Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is providing some sensory-friendly Halloween fun and a safe space to practice trick-or-treating skills for young ghouls, goblins, princesses, pirates and more at four locations throughout Northern Ontario on Saturday, October 26, from 10 am – noon.
Children will be able to practice trick-or-treating and enjoy fun activities and games like pumpkin decorating, potion brewing, scavenger hunts, pumpkin bowling, mad-science experiments, glow-in-the-dark slime making, and much more.
All are welcome to attend this free family-centred event, organized by Hands’ team of Autism professionals to help ensure everyone can enjoy Halloween traditions.
Locations include:
- Bracebridge – 23 Ball’s Drive
- North Bay – 820 Lakeshore Drive
- Parry Sound – 2 May Street
- Timmins – 100 Wilson Drive
This is a free event, with registration appreciated. Register for Hands’ Sensory-Friendly Halloween events here. In the spirit of inclusion, this event is open to everyone.
“Halloween spookiness can be a really fun experience when everyone feels supported and we are here to offer help so families can enjoy this time together,” said Paula Barnes, program manager of Autism and Behavioral Services at Hands. “Some of the kids we work with have trouble with trick-or-treating: knocking, waiting and not just walking into a stranger’s home. We’ll help them prepare for a fun night out by practicing trick-or-treating so the whole family can enjoy themselves on Halloween night. Our team of Autism professionals will be there to help all attendees enjoy Halloween traditions in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.”
What is a sensory-friendly event?
Sensory-friendly events are designed specifically to accommodate people who have difficulty processing sensations or have a sensory processing disorder. Sensory-friendly events are intended to be less jarring to the senses, less bothersome to a single sense, and less bothersome to the senses combined. This could mean less background noise and low volume in general, gentle lighting, toys to stimulate touch and keep little hands busy, and a scent-free environment.
If you would like to learn more and see how Hands’ expertise and experience in Autism can support you and your family, email Autism@handstfhn.ca, call 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333, check out their Autism Facebook page.
