Halloween Special: ABA Strategies for Play and Daily Routines

Halloween is fun! Costumes, candy, decorations, and new adventures all around. But for many parents, it also raises questions: Will my child like it? How can I prepare them? What if it’s too overwhelming?

At BeYou, we know those questions are important. That’s why we want to share how ABA principles can be applied during this holiday and show you all the ways teaching moments can exist throughout play and routines. 

With just a few tools, Halloween can be both safer and more fun for your family to celebrate.

Costumes and Routines: More Than Dress-Up

Picture this: it’s almost time for trick-or-treating, and your child refuses to put on their costume. Instead of a battle, it can become a learning opportunity.

• Try using a simple “First–Then” approach (a common ABA tool for sequencing): “First, put on your shirt, then your cape.”

• Add a visual checklist (a type of visual support) so your child can see each step in order.

• Celebrate every small success with a sticker, a hug, a high five, or even a favorite fidget toy.

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Later, after everyone has enjoyed some candy, you can bring out the toothbrush. Set a pumpkin timer on your phone and say: “Let’s brush until this song is over!” Suddenly, brushing teeth becomes part of the fun instead of an interruption.

These aren’t “therapy tasks.” They’re everyday moments turned into chances for independence and confidence.

Discover how visual supports can enhance daily routines.

Play That Builds Skills

Playing with Halloween can be fun and educational:

• Pumpkin Hunt: Hide paper pumpkins around the house. Say, “Find the pumpkin under the chair.” Great for practicing following directions.

• Monster Guessing Game: Take turns describing characters: “He’s got wings… who is it?” Helps build vocabulary skills.

• Story Time: Read a Halloween book, but pause and let your child fill in words or create a funny ending.

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Each game reinforces essential skills such as communication, listening, and creativity. And every small success can be celebrated with claps, cheers, or even a tiny treat.

Find more Halloween activity ideas designed for children.

Candy as a Teaching Tool

Candy can feel like chaos, but it can also become a powerful motivator.

• Choices: Hold up two treats. “Do you want the lollipop or the chocolate?””” Encourage them to point, sign, or speak.

• Requesting Help: Wrappers are tricky. Guide your child to say "Help" instead of expressing frustration.

• Waiting: Use a short timer before giving the candy, teaching patience in a fun way.

It’s not just about sugar. It's about using natural motivators to practice important skills.

Learn how to use reinforcers effectively to support learning.

Trick-or-Treating: A Social Skills Adventure

Halloween night is packed with opportunities to practice greetings and manners:

• Saying “Trick or treat!” when the person opens the door.

• Waiting in line behind other kids.

• Saying “Thank you” after receiving candy.

  
  

Not sure your child is ready? Practice at home. Knock on bedroom doors and use pretend play to rehearse the whole routine. That way, when the big night arrives, your child will feel prepared.

Try stories to help children understand what to expect.

Keeping It Comfortable

Some kids love costumes and loud parties. Others don’t. And that’s okay, not every child enjoys loud noises.

• Pick costumes that they like, especially if they are made of soft, comfortable fabrics.

• Bring headphones for kids who struggle with noise.

• Create an alternative at home, like pumpkin crafts, a Halloween movie, or handing out candy together.

  
  

The most important thing is not doing “all the things.” It’s choosing what works best for your child and making those moments positive.

Check out Halloween sensory tips from Child Mind Institute.

Halloween doesn’t have to feel stressful. With a little ABA magic, it can be full of learning opportunities, whether your child is brushing their teeth after candy, waiting for their turn in line, or saying “thank you” at the door.

Every small step is progress. Every routine is practice. And every parent has the power to make this holiday both fun and meaningful.

From all of us at BeYou: Happy Halloween! 

Curious about ABA at home? Explore our ABA at Home: Transform Everyday Moments Into Powerful Growth.