Blue Halloween bucket campaign to indicate trick-or-treater may have autism, be non-verbal

For a child with autism, being asked to shout, “trick or treat!” can be intimidating. One mother is asking everyone to recognize the blue bucket as an indication that the child may have autism and be non-verbal.

She took to Facebook to raise awareness of the struggles her non-verbal 3-year-old son faces while trick-or-treating, reported ABC News.

“This year we will be trying the blue bucket to signify he has autism. Please allow him (or any other person with a blue bucket) to enjoy this day and don’t worry I’ll still say ‘trick or treat’ for him,” she wrote in a post that has since been deleted. “This holiday is hard enough without any added stress. Thank you in advance.”

The post went viral and garnered mass attention, helping to spread the word.

Rachel Brnilovich, a clinical director for the Pennsylvania Autism Action Center, told ABC Scranton affiliate WNEP that she thinks the blue bucket campaign is a great idea.

“We love this campaign. It really gives our kids an opportunity to go out, no matter their age and experience Halloween,” Brnilovich told WNEP. “Taking notice of the blue bucket and then just treating them like a child, how any child would be, give them the candy and just move on.”

So if you see someone carrying a blue bucket this Halloween, know that it’s meant to make the holiday more inclusive and fun for everyone.

KRDO Only 2019