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28 Hudson Valley Parent n October 2017 By K. RIELLY H alloween can be chaotic for any parent, but as the mom of a toddler with autism, it can be exhausting. I've listed 13 challenges this holiday presents for families with children with special needs and ways to overcome the stress. 1. Costume conundrum My son is not a fan of costumes. Like many children on the spectrum, he has a low tolerance for different textures. Last year I bought us all colorful tee shirts from A.C. Moore and declared us the Sesame Street family. Each shirt color represented a different character. I only spent a few dollars and we were all very comfortable. 2. Candy, candy everywhere Some children suffer from food allergies while others have disabilities that can prevent them from chewing and swallowing. My son has sensory processing disorder which basically means he doesn't allow anything inside his mouth unless it's a goldfish cracker. The Teal Pumpkin Project was started a few years ago by families and neighbors who understand the challenge of this holiday tradition. Homes that display teal pumpkins on their steps offer non-food treats to avoid any possible allergies. Another activity gaining attention is Trunk or Treat gatherings. Friends and family from the neighborhood or schools plan a time to meet at one Ghosts and goblins aren't the only scary things on Halloween 13 tips to take the fright out of this night from a mom with a toddler on the spectrum Confusing masks and itchy costumes and hay rides make Halloween hard for Rielly's son.