halloween can generate fear and uncertainty in children with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (TORCH) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to the intense stimuli that characterize the celebration. Exposure to flickering lights, costumes unusual and unexpected sounds can cause them a sensory overloadwhich results in anxiety and confusion when faced with these difficult-to-process stimuli.
Furthermore, the concept of “monsters” or scary costumes can be difficult to distinguish between fantasy and realityespecially for children with TORCHwho may have difficulty interpreting social cues and understanding the playful nature of these images. Predictability and constant support are essential for them to experience halloween safely and positively, adjusting the activity to your individual needs. We talk with Antonella Timarchiclinical psychologist and therapeutic coordinator of Celia and Pepe’s Cole.
What is the best way to approach the topic of death with a child who has an intellectual disability?
Addressing the topic of death with children is not considered an easy topic in general, nor for parents, educators or caregivers. It is a highly emotionally charged topic that is difficult for most people to process. Many adults prefer to avoid the topic because they believe it can cause fear or distress in children. However, death is a natural part of life, and children must learn about it to cope with it in the best way possible. This approach becomes more complex with children with intellectual disabilities, as it requires a personalized and sensitive approach, adaptation to the child’s level of understanding, and clear and honest answers to avoid confusion.
In celebrations like Halloween and All Saints’ Day, how can we help children understand the concept of fear?
Emotions play a crucial role in how children understand the world, relate to others, and handle everyday situations. For children with intellectual disabilities, this becomes even more important because of the additional challenges they may face. To work on an emotion like fear, it is important to place yourself at the child’s level of understanding and offer adequate emotional support through visual and concrete tools. We should avoid abstract and long explanations, and rely on visual material such as stories or stories appropriate for their developmental age. Holidays such as Halloween or All Saints’ Day are opportunities to observe how the child acts in certain situations and work on fear symbolically in a safe environment.
What strategies do you recommend for parents to navigate difficult conversations about death and fear with their children?
Do not avoid the topic: Although it may be uncomfortable, if the child expresses curiosity or fear, it is important to show openness and calm so that he feels safe and learns to express himself without taboos. Explain gradually: It is preferable to approach the topic in small doses, allowing the child to direct the conversation as doubts arise. Validate and recognize their emotions: Allowing the child to express themselves freely helps to name emotions and identify their thoughts and fears. Adapt the language: It is important to use clear and direct language. Let’s avoid phrases like “he’s gone to heaven” or “he’s fallen asleep,” which can be confusing. Better to explain that death means that the person is no longer physically with us
How can activities at school help children process these emotions?
Activities at school play a crucial role in understanding these abstract concepts. Sharing opinions and thoughts in a safe environment, guided by educators, allows children to learn to listen to and respect each other’s emotions. Including topics such as death, grief or fears in the curriculum, in a sensitive and careful way, prepares children to face real-life experiences.
Including topics such as death, grief or fears in the curriculum, in a sensitive and careful way, prepares children to face real-life experiences.
What movies would you recommend watching as a family or at school to talk about death and fear in a constructive way?
Movies are a useful tool for sparking conversations. The choice will depend on the child’s level of development. Some options are: Kubo and the Two Magic Strings, The Book of Life, Up, Frankenweenie, The Lion King, Coco, The Little Prince and Bambi.
What is the role of costumes on Halloween in helping children with intellectual disabilities overcome their fears?
Dressing up on Halloween not only makes children very excited, but it can also be an opportunity to approach their fears from a positive and playful perspective. This allows the child to see this day as something fun and not a source of fear. In children with intellectual disabilities, contact with other children’s costumes can help them gradually become desensitized and actively participate in the celebration.
What types of classroom assignments or projects can make it easier for children with intellectual disabilities to talk about their fears?
It is important that activities are accessible, visual and meaningful. In our classes at El Cole de Celia y Pepe, we use videos or shorts where other characters experience fear, which helps children recognize and normalize the emotion. We also carry out creative activities, such as creating a “fear box”, where they can write, draw or use pictograms to express their fears and place them in the box. This process allows them to manage emotion in a tangible way and opens a space to share and listen to the fears of others.
We also carry out creative activities, such as creating a “fear box”, where they can write, draw or use pictograms to express their fears and deposit them in the box.
How does advance preparation and ongoing support influence how children experience fear during the holidays?
Advance preparation allows the child to know what to expect during these festivities. For many children, the unexpected can generate a lot of stress, so anticipation through oral explanations or visual resources can reduce anxiety, help them desensitize themselves to what scares them and manage their emotions effectively.
Do you think it’s more effective to deal with fear on Halloween through fun, like costumes, or through more direct conversations?
There is no single correct answer, since the most effective way to treat fear on Halloween will depend on factors such as the age, level of development, and emotional needs of each child. However, combining both approaches is usually the most appropriate to address fear comprehensively and achieve a positive impact.
