Fear of Costumes

Q: Hi,

My son is 12 years old and is afraid of characters in costumes such as Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.  Will he ever outgrow that fear or is there something I can do to help him or do you just avoid it at all cost?

A: Lots of kids - even neurotypical kids - don't like people in costumes.  I
saw an article around Christmas on kids that freaked out when sat on Santa's
lap.  Perhaps it's the fact that it's a mask - a false appearance on top of
the already troubling human face.  Strangeness upon strangeness.  He will
more than likely grow out of it.  You could try encouraging him to dress
himself up, to show that it's just a person under there, but don't force it.
-Lynn

Comments

[Wiley]

I remember one time when I was a kid, I went to a costume party at a family reunion. The theme that year was "Come as the latest new Barbie doll." Given my Aspie trouble recognizing faces, I didn't recognize any of my relatives, including my parents! It was terrifying. Luckily one of my aunts had slacked off when it came to her costume, and had just pinned a construction-paper 'Q' to her chest, calling herself "Barbie Q". Since she still looked like herself and not one of these scary weird people in strange clothes, I spent nearly the entire party sitting in her lap.