Sensory Processing Halloween

10 Halloween Costume Tips for Children with Sensory Processing Differences

Patrick McLean

Patrick McLean

Patrick McLean serves as Administrative Director and Co-CEO of Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center, a comprehensive pediatric therapy practice he co-founded with his wife Rose in 2014. With over a decade of healthcare business leadership, Patrick has transformed their vision of coordinated, family-centered care into a thriving multidisciplinary clinic serving families throughout Chicago. After graduating from Western Illinois University in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance, Patrick developed expertise in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth. His business acumen combined with a deep commitment to serving children with developmental needs has positioned Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center as a trusted resource for families navigating speech delays, sensory processing challenges, autism spectrum disorder, motor delays, and behavioral concerns. As Co-CEO, Patrick oversees essential operational pillars including marketing and community outreach, human resources and staff development, financial management and insurance coordination, and long-term business strategy. His leadership has enabled the clinic to expand from offering single therapy services to providing integrated physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, ABA therapy, and social work—all coordinated under one roof for maximum family convenience and clinical effectiveness. Patrick's management philosophy centers on creating systems that empower both staff and families. He has built a culture of collaboration where therapists from different disciplines communicate seamlessly about each child's progress, ensuring holistic treatment plans that address the whole child. His proudest moments come from witnessing families' journeys—from initial concerns through celebrated milestones and hard-won achievements. Beyond his professional role, Patrick brings personal perspective as a father of four children. He actively coaches his kids in various sports, enjoys creating barbecue masterpieces on his smoker, and values connection time with friends on the golf course. This balance between professional purpose and family life reinforces his understanding of the families Chicago Pediatric Therapy & Wellness Center serves every day.

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BOO! Halloween is around the corner and our Occupational Therapy Team put together this blog that includes ten costume tips and tricks for parents of children with sensory processing differences. Halloween can be one of the best holidays of the year for trick or treaters of all ages, but the costumes can lead to some tricky situations for kids. We are here to help you prepare for a successful night out of collecting candy in your costumes! Here are our 10 Tips:

1. Avoid scratchy or constricting materials

2. Avoid costumes that interfere with vision such as large hats or masks

3. Think about sizing, some children prefer clothes tighter or looser, make alterations as needed

4. Use Halloween PJs, T-shirts, or onesies

5. Buy costume ahead of time. Allow your child to try on, look at, or feel costume prior to Halloween

6. Wash costume prior to wearing to help soften the material

7. Wear their preferred clothes underneath costume

8. Let your child help pick out their costume

9. Provide options of Halloween costumes

10. Do a test run prior to Halloween!

Sensory Processing Differnces

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope this list helps you and your family prepare for their best Halloween yet! Have a great time and a happy Halloween! If you have more questions or concerns with your child with sensory processing differences, give us a call at 773-687-9241 and we will connect you to our occupational therapy team and the rest our our incredible staff! More information can be found on our website for you and your family. Our ABA Therapy page can be found here and our occupational therapy page can be found here. We hope these resources help!

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