TIP of the WEEK: Halloween Tips

With more awareness of children of non-typical diets and children with different needs it is a bit easier these days to celebrate Halloween minus all of the candy. Schools are getting better and better about leaving candy out of lesson plans and even neighborhoods are joining the teal pumpkin craze and offering nonfood treats for trick or treating. That being said, we still have a major food holiday around the corner and children and adults with PWS feel the anxiety in full force.

Having a fun and safe Halloween may be difficult but it is possible with these three tips:

Plan your own party. You will have control over what comes in, what is served and you can prep your child ahead of time to decrease the anxiety.

Plan your route. If your child wants to trick or treat be sure to only go to houses that you have a prior arrangement with. Ask neighborhood families to give a nonfood item (you can even provide it ahead of time for them).

Everything in moderation. Unless there are food allergies it is reasonable to allow your child to have a few small pieces of candy if you want him or her to participate in that part of the holiday tradition. You decide what kind and how many and be sure to tell your child ahead of time to eliminate the element of surprise which can lead to unwanted anxiety around food.

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.