Wired Different journal

Being Neurodivergent at Halloween

How to Enjoy the Spooky Season Your Own Way

How to Enjoy the Spooky Season Your Own Way

By Wired/Different

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year — bright lights, loud music, costumes, parties, and sweets everywhere.

But for some neurodivergent people, it can also be… a lot.

If you’re autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise wired differently, Halloween can bring both fun and overwhelm — and that’s completely okay.

Here’s how to make this Halloween one that works for you. 👻

🧠 Sensory-Friendly Scares

Halloween can be full of sensory overload — flashing lights, masks, sticky costumes, and jump scares everywhere. But you can still enjoy it on your terms. Try these ideas:

  • 🕯 Skip the scary stuff — not everyone likes horror, and that’s fine.
  • 👕 Choose comfy costumes — soft fabrics, no tags, nothing itchy or tight.
  • 🎧 Use ear defenders or headphones if loud parties or fireworks are too much.
  • 🎃 Decorate your space with lights, colours, or sounds that feel fun — not frightening.

It’s your Halloween, your rules.

🕸 ADHD & Halloween Energy

If you’ve got ADHD, Halloween can be the best — excitement, creativity, sugar, costumes, chaos — it’s your natural habitat. 😅

But it can also be overstimulating or draining once the fun wears off. Here’s how to keep it balanced:

  • ⚡ Channel your creativity into costume-making or event planning.
  • 🕑 Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed or restless.
  • 🍫 Go easy on the sugar rollercoaster — fun in small doses!
  • 🧍‍♀️ Don’t feel guilty if you’d rather chill than party.

You don’t have to be on all the time — even superheroes need a recharge.

🦇 Social Stuff (That Can Be Tricky)