What Halloween Gets Right (and Wrong) About Masking

Ever thought about the fact that Halloween is the one night a year everyone else voluntarily puts on a mask, just for fun? In this episode, I'm breaking down what a costume actually has in common with autistic masking, what's completely different, and how to get through the holiday itself without it costing you everything.

I'm walking through the real parallels between a costume and a mask, why the differences matter so much more, and practical ways to handle the sensory side of Halloween, whether you're trick or treating, handing out candy, or taking a kid around the neighborhood.

In this episode:

• What a Halloween costume and autistic masking actually have in common, and why both take real effort to build and hold
• The differences that matter most: a costume is chosen and temporary, masking usually isn't either of those things
• Why taking off a mask isn't always the instant relief that taking off a costume is, especially if you're just starting to unmask
• Practical ways to handle the sensory demands of Halloween itself, from costume fabric to candy bowl duty to trick or treating

Resources mentioned:

• Follow on Instagram
• Learn more about therapy and assessments