With Halloween approaching, you’re likely to see hoards of “Blue Buckets for Autism Awareness” posts. We (not now or ever) will tell you what is best for your family, or pass any judgements on how you choose to celebrate holidays and traditions.
However, should our children have to carry blue buckets ”representing Autism” for people to be decent to them? Should you have to disclose your child’s neurological makeup for them to be able to participate in Halloween festivities? Absolutely not.
Now, we are all about Autistic pride!!! But carrying a blue bucket is more for other people and their expectations—than for your child.
If your child is non-speaking or limitedly speaking, or just doesn’t feel comfortable with saying “trick or treat”— do what’s right for y’all.
...Maybe that’s just you, or a sibling, saying “Trick or Treat!”, etc.
If your child wants to participate in that piece of it but is unable or not comfortable with saying “Trick or Treat”, you can use their device or some form of AAC.
Here are some “Trick or Treat” signs we created that you can download for free and have printed. (We’d recommend either laminating them, printing on card stock or putting in a page protector for durability)
Two sizes available
Card size; roughly 5x7
Flyer size
Email us at AutismNorthLa@gmail.com if you’d like us to send you the digital download of these!
Or do none of these things, and stick with whatever feels authentic, comfortable and FUN for your family, because that’s what its all about. It’s not about your neighbors or Mr. And Mrs Higginsworth down the street—or their expectations.
It’s all about acceptance, and that starts with us.
Happy Halloween!