How to Find the Perfect Halloween Costume for Kids With Disabilities – Lifehacker Australia

For parents of kids with disabilities, autism spectrum disorder or sensory issues, Halloween can come with not only the usual obstacles of loud noises, special effects and unusual lighting, but also with the very real challenge of finding a costume that is functional, comfortable and fun. But there are more options and inspiration out there than ever before, and weve collected some of our favorites.

Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit that, in their own words, builds epic costumes for kiddos in wheelchairsat no cost to families. The organization is run by Ryan Weimer and his wife, who have five childrenthree of whom have muscular dystrophy. When one son wanted to be a pirate for Halloween, Ryan thought to transform his kids wheelchair into a ship. The result was such a success that it inspired the launch of Magic Wheelchair.

Its too late to apply for your own Magic Wheelchair costume this year (bookmark the details for next year!), but you can always check out their Instagram account for a wide range of inspiration, from Batmobiles to My Little Pony chariots to giant dinosaurs.

One Place for Special Needs shares more than 100 sensory-friendly costume ideas on Pinterest, including one particularly amazing Free Shrugs costume. The costumes provide inspiration for DIY ensembles you can make out of your kids current favorite clothes, such as sweatpants, hoodies or pajamas, which is helpful for kids who have a hard time wearing new, scratchy or constricting materials.

Cotton Tail Clothing has a list of 25 straightforward DIY, sensory-friendly costume ideas, along with useful tips for how to trick-or-treat successfully with kids on the spectrum.

My favorite costume idea she shares is for a zookeeper, which involves dressing in cargo shorts and a regular T-shirt with a name tag and a stuffed animal or two. (If its cold outside, move the name tag from the shirt to a jacket.) Another good one, particularly for kids who wear noise-cancelling headphones, is a DJthe child can dress in their everyday clothing, add their headphones and theyre all set. Maybe play some music from your phone as you walk with them for extra effect.

If DIY isnt your thing, Targets Halloween costume line this year includes several adaptive costumes for kids in wheelchairs, as well as tag-free costumes with flat seams, hidden openings for abdominal access and removable components for kids with sensory processing issues or other conditions. Options include a princess carriage, pirate ship, unicorns and sharks.

If trick-or-treating is causing more stress than fun, though, mom Peggy Gilpatric writes for Autism Speaks to consider ditching the costumes altogether and starting your own Halloween tradition:

There is still fun to be had. Maybe he can pass out the treats, be designated candy sorter, or paint pumpkins. If all of the doorbell ringing is too disturbing, turn off the porch light, build a couch tent, and watch Goosebumps or Charlie Brown.

If nothing else, the candy itself is a classic tradition.

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How to Find the Perfect Halloween Costume for Kids With Disabilities - Lifehacker Australia