Special Halloween party planned for kids and youth with autism

Hands the Family Health Network has a special Halloween party on Saturday morning in Timmins. 

It’s for children and youth who have autism. Operations manager Paula Barnes says they have struggles with Halloween and its unpredictability. The free party helps them experience Halloween activities. 

“Every child with autism is unique in their own way,” she states, “but we typically see struggle with social settings and with loud noises particularly and not understanding when things might change.” 

That unpredictably could be things like people jumping out and making spooky noises. 

Barnes says the aim is to have a space with sensory activities in a supportive way. 

“We try not to make it too dark or the fog machines can interrupt our senses as well. We practice some trick or treating so that on Halloween night hopefully they have more success in being able to go up to a door with their peers or with their family members and have a successful evening.” 

Tomorrow’s party is from 10:00am until noon at 100 Wilson Ave., Suite B. Costumes are not mandatory.