Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays for children—wearing a costume and collecting candy is something that many children look forward to all year. But for children with speech or language disorders, trick-or-treating can be a bit intimidating. It often requires talking to unfamiliar adults, and even just saying “Trick or Treat” can be challenging for children who are nonverbal or struggle with speaking.
The Rockville-based American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has plenty of tips for parents of children with speech or language disorders on how to make the holiday fun and inclusive for all children.
“A lot of communication pressure is involved in this holiday pastime, especially for children with speech or language disorders,” explains ASHA 2025 President Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke. “Saying ‘trick or treat’ doorstep after doorstep, answering questions about costumes or candy preferences and having conversations with unfamiliar adults can be challenging or even scary. Some children stutter and may need extra time to talk. Other children may not communicate verbally. With a little preparation, children can feel more confident and have a positive experience.”
If your child has a speech disorder or other communication-related challenges, consider these tips before you head out to trick-or-treat this Halloween.
- Practice key phrases. Before Halloween, rehearse common phrases like “Trick or Treat,” “Please” and “Thank you,” as well as answers to questions like “Who are you dressed up as?”
- Use visual supports. Bringing a small card or sign that says “Trick or treat” or “Thank you” can either help prompt your child or can help them communicate if they are nonverbal. Some families bring notes that explain their child’s communication methods to help others better understand.
- Get their AAC device ready. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices can be set up with Halloween-related language in advance. If your child uses one, setting it up before the big day can save a lot of time.
- Head out early. It may be less stressful for kids with language disorders to trick-or-treat before many other trick-or-treaters are out, as they won’t feel as rushed. Accommodations like visual supports and AAC devices will also be easier to see.
- Inform neighbors in advance. Prioritize visiting neighbors you know will be patient and supportive. Telling your neighbors about your child’s language difficulties in advance also takes a lot of stress off your child, as they don’t have to explain their situation.
- Discuss plans with your child. Having a plan beforehand can help to reduce stress. Talk with your child about where you are trick-or-treating and who you are going with, as well as the rules they should follow while they are out to ensure a fun and safe time.
- Come up with a signal for trouble. If your child gets scared for any reason—whether it’s because of scary costumes or feeling genuinely unsafe—having an agreed-upon signal for discomfort can help them make a quick exit from the situation without making a scene.
- Encourage peer support. If you’re trick-or-treating with siblings or your child’s friends, remind them that your child may need a bit more time.
- Keep plans flexible. Communicating with unfamiliar people takes a lot of effort for some children, and they may be ready to go home after just a few houses. If you’re trick-or-treating with siblings or friends who want to stay out later, try to have a back-up plan for them.
For more information and resources, visit www.asha.org/public.
