CRANBERRY TWP — Halloween night can be one of the most exciting nights of the year for children making their way from door to door in search of candy and other treats.

For some, though, the frights and tricks can be too much.

This is especially true for children with autism, many of whom react negatively to the sights, sounds and scares that come with trick-or-treating.

According to the Autism Society of America, the lack of a routine and the large number of hidden faces can cause negative reactions. This is a sentiment echoed by Mary Limbacher, executive director of Parents in Toto Autism Resource Center in Zelienople.

Limbacher said the key to ensuring a safe, fun and stress-free evening often starts with creating a schedule and keeping a routine. This includes planning ahead for the evening and figuring out what other events may be happening at the same time.

Staying on a schedule that is as close to normal is paramount, Limbacher said.

“If bed time is at 9 p.m., stick with that. If dinner is at 5 p.m., stick with that,” she said. “Try to keep routines as normal as possible.”

Limbacher recommended including the child when setting up the evening's schedule, mapping out what homes to visit and which to avoid.

Halloween evening can be overwhelming for children who struggle with overstimulation. Lights, sounds and other stimuli can be limited, and visiting homes that a parent knows are safe before arrival is a good step. This includes avoiding surprises like people jumping out from hidden areas, things popping out of candy bowls and strobe lighting — good fun for some, but potentially damaging for others.

“Some kids crave that extra stimuli,” Limbacher said. “Knowing your child and what might set them off is really critical.”

She also said ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones can be helpful in limiting that stimuli, though that also limits a child's ability to hear their parent.

Limbacher said keeping a space at home for when children return that is free from decorations and stimuli can also be helpful.

“When it's likely they'll be revved up and need to have a calming atmosphere, there's a go-to place that they have already prepared,” she said, adding this could be the child's bedroom or other room in the home.

Planning could also include making a test run a few days before, giving the child a chance to walk the streets, see the decorations and learn about the area when it isn't as crowded and is better lit.

This also includes talking to the child about the increase in potential dangers on the night of trick-or-treat, including increased foot and vehicle traffic and the possibility of decorations and power sources to those decorations.

Limbacher said setting rules for the night is helpful.

“Having that explanation puts a picture in their heads and helps them visualize how the night can go smoothly,” she said.

Limbacher said another good idea is to create costumes that include the parent so the child remains connected to him or her throughout the evening.

As for costumes, parents should make sure they are comfortable and do not stick or rub against the child's skin, which can cause irritation. She suggested choosing a costume that is more like normal clothing.

For those families and neighbors who want to offer a place where children can feel safe and enjoy the evening, Limbacher recommends keeping access for trick-or-treaters clear, or sitting in a drive way or near the sidewalk as opposed to up a flight of stairs or at the door.

Additionally, not wearing masks or other things that obscure the face can make a child feel more comfortable.

Limbacher recounted an experience with her son in which an otherwise friendly neighbor was handing out candy while wearing a mask.

“It almost derailed the whole night,” she said.

For those children and young adults for whom Halloween night may be too much, Limbacher said Parents in Toto has been holding parties and get-togethers for members of their various support groups throughout the month. Additionally, they'll participate in Zelienople's Halloween festivities on Oct. 30 and 31.

“It's all about focusing on the night being fun,” she said.