Autism group offers special Halloween

While many children look forward to the spookiest, goriest costumes and scary decorations, for others, Halloween can be an overwhelming experience.

Children with autism, mobility issues or other special needs may need support and strategies to cope with the frightening costumes, darkness, sounds, smells, large crowds and grim decor like headstones and ghouls they’ll likely see on their street.

While advance conversations can help allay many fears, the prospect of door-to-door trick or treating may prove to be too much for some.

With that in mind, Autism Calgary has partnered again with Southcentre mall to create a quiet, calm environment with special ac- tivities for families and children with autism, Asperger’s, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and ADHD.

A Special Time for Halloween for children aged 2-12 runs on Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. while the mall is closed.

There will be 10 stations, including some with photo opportunities, so children and their families can visit each station to “trick or treat” and take a fun photo. Halloween candy will be handed out at eight of the stations, with one offering juice and fruit snacks.

Costumes are optional for the children and not recommended for adults. Participants are asked to avoid face masks or overtly scary costumes.

Families can register by calling 403-225-9100 until Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. or until the event is full. Space is limited to the first 150 families.