Annual family event is a spooktacular dress rehearsal for October 31 community festivities, presented by Autism Services and Family Engagment Services at Lansdowne Children's Centre
Brantford - There were dinosaurs and princesses, various pop culture icons and even Santa with a herd of reindeer who attended Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s Halls of Halloween event on Oct. 23.
There were over 160 registered participants at the event, which was essentially a dress rehearsal for Halloween. For children and youth with physical or developmental challenges, things like wearing a costume, seeing other people dressed up in scary outfits or seeing spooky decorations can be overwhelming.
Halls of Halloween was not only an opportunity for children to get some candy, participate in a sensory-friendly dance party and/ or do a craft, and select a pumpkin to take home, it was also very much part of the therapy they receive through Lansdowne.
Throughout the night, there were several clinicians on site, so “if things don’t go super well (we can) help provide families with some strategies,”
said Susan Battin, Autism Services manager and clinical supervisor for Lansdowne.
Following the event, Battin expressed her deep appreciation for all the volunteers who “helped make our Halls of Halloween evening a success,” adding, “We received lots of positive feedback from families.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR PARTNERS:
Parkway Dentistry, Sobeys West Brant, and Josmar Acres
Select photos from the event shared below. More photos available on Facebook.
Follow @LansdowneChildrens click here to open the Facebook album
INCLUSION ISN'T SCARY
With Oct. 31 right around the corner, Lansdowne wants to remind the community of different ways to be inclusive for all the trick or treaters who come to your door.
“Always interact as much as you as the host are willing and comfortable, but realize that that might not be reciprocated,” said Susan Battin, Autism Services manager and clinical supervisor for Lansdowne. Some children may not be able to verbally say things like ‘Trick or Treat’ or ‘please’ and ‘thank you’; they might need to use an alternative form of communication, like sign language or pictures.
If you have stairs to get to your door, go out to give treats to children who have assistive devices like wheelchairs, so they are included in the night’s fun.
Make sure your walkways are clear of obstacles and are well lit.
“If any teenagers come up to you, be nice to them. … developmentally, that could be somebody that looks older than they are cognitively, so be cognizant of that,” Battin said.
If you’re driving, be sure to go very slowly, and watch for kids unexpectedly running out into the street.
If possible, try to keep the volume on music and soundtracks lowered, so as to not be overwhelming.
Ultimately, remember that “Halloween is largely about kids being kids,” Battin said, and most importantly, “Inclusion isn’t scary.”
More about Lansdowne Children's Centre
Lansdowne is a SmartStart Hub, meaning that it’s a one-stop point of entry to connect children and youth (up to the age of 18) who need help with their communication, developmental and/or physical development needs with local child development services, supports and resources. Lansdowne operates sites in Brantford, Caledonia, Dunnville and Simcoe, serving the region of Grand Erie.
There is no cost, and no diagnosis or doctor’s referral is required, to contact a SmartStart Hub. For more information, visit lansdownecentre.ca.
Comentarios