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Sensory friendly Halloween festivities at Hands

'Halloween spookiness can be a really fun experience when everyone feels supported and we are here to offer help so families can enjoy this time together'
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Hands The Family Help Network on Oak St. e. North Bay

Hands, the FamilyHelpNetwork.ca will be providing some sensory-friendly Halloween fun and a safe space for for young ghouls, goblins, princesses, pirates, and more at their locations in North Bay and across northern Ontario.  

The event will take place Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Children will be able to practice trick-or-treating and enjoy fun activities and games like pumpkin decorating, potion brewing, scavenger hunts, pumpkin bowling, mad science experiments, glow-in-the-dark slime making, and much more.

The free family-centred event is organized by Hands’ team of Autism professionals to help ensure everyone can enjoy Halloween traditions.

Registration is appreciated.  Register for Hands’ Sensory-Friendly Halloween events here

In the spirit of inclusion, this event is open to everyone.

“Halloween spookiness can be a really fun experience when everyone feels supported and we are here to offer help so families can enjoy this time together,” said Paula Barnes, program manager of Autism and Behavioural Services at Hands.

“Some of the kids we work with have trouble with trick-or-treating: knocking, waiting, and not just walking into a stranger’s home. We’ll help them prepare for a fun night out by practicing trick-or-treating so the whole family can enjoy themselves on Halloween night. Our team of Autism professionals will be there to help all attendees enjoy Halloween traditions in a safe, sensory-friendly environment.”

What is a sensory-friendly event?

Sensory-friendly events are designed specifically to accommodate people who have difficulty processing sensations or have a sensory processing disorder. Sensory-friendly events are intended to be less jarring to the senses, less bothersome to a single sense, and less bothersome to the senses combined. This could mean less background noise and low volume in general, gentle lighting, toys to stimulate touch and keep little hands busy, and a scent-free environment.

If you would like to learn more and see how Hands’ expertise and experience in Autism can support you and your family, email [email protected], call 1-800-668-8555 ext. 1333,  check out our Autism Facebook page.