Make Halloween Accessible with AAC Core Words for the Season
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I know what you’re thinking: “Great, one more thing to plan.” I get it. But hear me out.
Halloween is full of communication opportunities for our AAC users. Picking a costume, walking up to someone’s porch, and saying “Trick or treat!” are real-life, natural chances to communicate with peers, family, and the community. And yet, it’s also one of those times where kids using AAC often get left out or their devices get forgotten at home.
So, let’s talk about some practical ways to prep AAC systems and make Halloween more accessible (and fun!) with core words you’re probably already using year-round.
So, why core words?
Core words are those magical, flexible little words that make up 80% of what we say, such as go, want, more, help, all done. They’re powerful because they don’t change with the activity. That means your AAC user can use the same words at a pumpkin patch, Halloween party, or while passing out candy at home.
When we add Halloween-themed fringe vocabulary (witch, pumpkin, costume) to these core words, we get a beautiful combo of seasonal fun and functional communication.
Halloween Core Word List
Here are some of my go-to core words for this time of year:
go – “Go trick-or-treating”, “Let’s go to the door”
stop – “Stop here”, “Stop walking”
help – “Help me with my costume”, “Help carry my bag”
want – “I want candy”, “I want that one”
more – “More candy”, “Go to more houses”
all done – “All done trick-or-treating”
look – “Look at that pumpkin”, “Look at you!”
see – “I see a skeleton!”, “See that costume?”
this / that – “This one”, “That one’s scary”
not / no – “Not that one”, “No thank you”
You don’t need to program every Halloween word ever invented. Just make sure your kid can access the ones they’ll actually use.
Easy Wins for AAC Support
Make a quick-access page for Halloween
Whether you're using a high-tech app or a printed board, consider adding a quick page or board just for Halloween. Include those core words + a few holiday-specific ones (trick-or-treat, candy, costume, scary, fun).
👉 If you want a ready-to-print option, this core word board laminator kit has been super handy for quick seasonal swaps. (Affiliate link)
Model, model, model
You’ve heard it a million times, but here’s your seasonal reminder: if we don’t model it, they won’t use it.
So while trick-or-treating or just walking through the decorated grocery store aisle, model using core words:
“Look!” (pointing to decorations)
“Want?” (offering candy)
“Go” (starting the walk)
“Help” (zipping a costume)
“All done” (when it's time to head home)
Even if they don’t imitate right away, you’re planting the seed.
Rehearse before the big day
Set up a mini “pretend” trick-or-treat session at home, at school, or during therapy. Role-play walking up, pressing a button or pointing to “Trick or Treat”, and receiving pretend candy.
You can also incorporate Halloween books and games. Here’s are some of my favorite Halloween books I’ve used with students:
Bonus Idea: Trick-or-Treat Communication Cards
Sometimes people handing out candy aren’t sure how to interact with AAC users.
I like sending kids out with a little laminated card or sticker that says something like:
“Hi! I use this device to talk. Thanks for your patience!”
You can find printable versions on Teachers Pay Teachers or make your own. Clip it to a treat bag, stick it to a jacket, or add it to a wagon.
Final Thoughts
Halloween doesn’t have to be an AAC afterthought.
When we plan just a little with core words, visual supports, and modeling, we help our AAC users participate, express themselves, and be part of the fun.
Happy Halloween, friends! 🎃 May your night be full of core words and candy.
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