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Halloween can be a thrilling time for many families — costumes, candy, and spooky fun abound. But for neurodiverse children, the lights, sounds, textures, and unpredictability of trick-or-treat night can flip the script from excitement to overwhelm in no time. That’s why we’re creating this checklist: to help you celebrate joyfully and mindfully. With a few thoughtful tweaks, you can turn what might feel like “survive the night” into “make the memory.”

Genie Dawkins​

Hi! I’m Genie Dawkins, founder of The Parenting Cipher and a special education consultant who’s passionate about helping families decode the unique needs of neurodiverse children. My own parenting journey—especially navigating sensory-rich events like Halloween—taught me that “just get through it” isn’t good enough. Our children deserve more than surviving; they deserve celebration, belonging, and memory-making.

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As the voice behind the Parenting Cipher podcast and community, I support Black and neurodiverse families, helping them decode what the schools and systems won’t always tell you. My lived journey with my children — each unique, each with behavioral or learning differences — fuels my fire to make sure you’re not alone

When the lights are low and the costumes are ready, I want you to feel empowered — not paralyzed — to celebrate in a way that honors your child’s rhythm. If you need support with navigating your childs educational journey click here.

Download our FREE “Halloween Sensory Checklist & Planning Guide” now — pin it, print it, keep it where you’ll see it.