Making Halloween More Inclusive: Milestones’ Trunk or Treat

For many families, Halloween is a time filled with costumes, candy, excitement and special moments. 

It can be a night when children get to be creative, have fun and celebrate with others. But for children with autism or other special needs, Halloween can feel different, especially when traditional celebrations include sights, sounds, crowds and expectations that may be overwhelming. 

For some, Halloween can mean large crowds, loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings and long lines. What is exciting for one child may feel overwhelming for another, making trick or treating difficult to fully enjoy. Some families find ways to adapt. Some leave early. And some may quietly stop participating altogether. 

“Different needs shouldn’t mean missing out on the Halloween fun,” Melissa Raymond, founder and clinical director of Milestones Behavioral Services, says. “That’s why we’ve created our Inclusive Trunk or Treat, so that individuals of all ages and abilities can come for some Halloween fun.” 

Milestones provides ABA services and support for children with autism and their families, and every day, the team sees what kids are capable of when the environment is built with them in mind. The Inclusive Trunk or Treat applies this idea to Halloween: keeping the fun of the night while ensuring children of all abilities feel welcomed, comfortable and supported. 

Families can move from trunk to trunk at their own pace and in any order, giving children the flexibility to participate without having to wait in line. Costumes are completely optional, and children are welcome to dress up, wear something comfortable or simply come as they are. If a child becomes overstimulated or needs a break, families can step away and return when their child is ready. At every trunk, supportive volunteers will understand that not every child will say “trick or treat,” and that’s perfectly okay. 

“At our Inclusive Trunk or Treat, all forms of communication are welcome and accepted,” Raymond says. “Some children will use words, while others may communicate through gestures, eye contact or a wave. Their communication may look different, but it is all accepted. Every child gets to participate in a way that works for them.” 

The Inclusive Trunk or Treat is open to the community at no cost, giving all families an opportunity to enjoy Halloween in a way that works for them. Through events like this, Milestones hopes to continue promoting inclusivity in Southwest Louisiana and help foster a community where inclusion isn’t a special occasion but simply the way things are done. 

The evening offers something for parents, too. With Milestones and local providers sponsoring the event, families will have opportunities to connect with people who can answer questions, offer support and share helpful resources. Everyone is welcome, especially families who may have found traditional Halloween celebrations challenging in the past. Milestones’ hopes this event gives families the opportunity to experience the fun of Halloween in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming, and right for them. 

Join Milestones for the Inclusive Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lake Area Adventures. Families are invited to come enjoy the evening at their own pace, participate in a way that works best for their child and simply enjoy being part of the celebration. To learn more about the event or about ABA services at Milestones, email info@milestonesbehavioral.com or call 337-429-5248.