Halloween for Christian.. Balancing it out
We found ourselves asking as this season approached.. How do we support our son to be part of the Halloween fesitivities and balance his special needs.
Christian is on a dairy-free, limited sugar, limited dyes diet. Well, this is absolutely everything opposite of Halloween! So, as a family, Mike and I discussed what was the best course for our son. He had a round of parties at his new School, the Big Red School,Church and his daycare. Also, his grammie sent him things. We knew if we gave in to Halloween Christian would have some problems.. yet, we all go and do things we should not do.. like eating more candy at Halloween than most of us eat all year.
During this season, Christian came home with Halloween books, Halloween crafts, Halloween drawings,and he was able to visit a pumpking patch. He has walked around my house saying "Boo" and "Ohhh Scarey". So we decided to let him take advantage of this season. He was able to dress up
We allowed him to have treats (within reason) at his parties and gave him a few treats at home. We did see an effect within a day or so on Christian. He was spinning in circles, could not answer concepts he knew without seeming confused, his stomach was crazy upset with the most foul smelling gas and diarhea. His cooperation skills decreased and he could not go to sleep until late into the night. Dad got cold feet about 1/2 way in and decided we were going to stop.. but we worked through it and talked with his therapists and decided that this too is part of living and celebrating.
I regret that I did not take him out to trick or treat this year. Due to his not listening as well and running during this past few days, I did not feel that comfortable in taking him out. I was fearful he would run, have meltdowns, or he did not need the candy. Dad was not happy that he did not get this time out to trick or treat (which I understand and agree with).
So looking back, next year, we will probably buy some sugar free candies to substitute out, take him out to trick or treat and continue to work through and discern how is the best way to navigate supporting his biomedical needs and his need to be a little boy.
Oh and a highlight... He was Barney at the Big Red school. I am sure if you could come the closest to his idea of a perfect day.. having a party and being Barney would be it for him!
Christian is on a dairy-free, limited sugar, limited dyes diet. Well, this is absolutely everything opposite of Halloween! So, as a family, Mike and I discussed what was the best course for our son. He had a round of parties at his new School, the Big Red School,Church and his daycare. Also, his grammie sent him things. We knew if we gave in to Halloween Christian would have some problems.. yet, we all go and do things we should not do.. like eating more candy at Halloween than most of us eat all year.
During this season, Christian came home with Halloween books, Halloween crafts, Halloween drawings,and he was able to visit a pumpking patch. He has walked around my house saying "Boo" and "Ohhh Scarey". So we decided to let him take advantage of this season. He was able to dress up
We allowed him to have treats (within reason) at his parties and gave him a few treats at home. We did see an effect within a day or so on Christian. He was spinning in circles, could not answer concepts he knew without seeming confused, his stomach was crazy upset with the most foul smelling gas and diarhea. His cooperation skills decreased and he could not go to sleep until late into the night. Dad got cold feet about 1/2 way in and decided we were going to stop.. but we worked through it and talked with his therapists and decided that this too is part of living and celebrating.
I regret that I did not take him out to trick or treat this year. Due to his not listening as well and running during this past few days, I did not feel that comfortable in taking him out. I was fearful he would run, have meltdowns, or he did not need the candy. Dad was not happy that he did not get this time out to trick or treat (which I understand and agree with).
So looking back, next year, we will probably buy some sugar free candies to substitute out, take him out to trick or treat and continue to work through and discern how is the best way to navigate supporting his biomedical needs and his need to be a little boy.
Oh and a highlight... He was Barney at the Big Red school. I am sure if you could come the closest to his idea of a perfect day.. having a party and being Barney would be it for him!
posted by Tracy at 8:56 AM
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