Home LOCAL PARIS Mom’s viral Facebook post encourages blue Trick-or-Treat buckets for autism awareness

Mom’s viral Facebook post encourages blue Trick-or-Treat buckets for autism awareness

by MyParisTexas
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In October 2018, a Louisiana mom went viral after she posted a unique way for the public to recognize her now  22-year old autistic son, BJ when they went trick or treating. 

“Trick or Treat….the BLUE BUCKET…if you see someone who appears to be an adult dressed up to trick or treat this year carrying this blue bucket, he’s our son,” Alicia Plumer said in a Facebook post to her page.

“While he has the body of a 21-year old, he loves Halloween. Please help us keep his spirit alive & happy. So when you see the blue bucket share a piece of candy. Spread awareness! These precious people are not “too big” to trick or treat.”

It wasn’t long before friends and family began asking Plumer to make her post public so they could help spread the word. 

Plumer was clued onto the idea by a friend who had read an article on the meaning of teal-colored pumpkins. According to a website, a teal pumpkin placed on the doorstep is a symbol of “safety, inclusion, and respect of individuals managing food allergies.” 

Furthermore, they are used as an indication that a house is food-allergen-friendly – and that non-food treats such as glow-sticks or stickers will be given out to trick-or-treaters. 

“I thought I had read something on Facebook about it. Really what I read was about the teal pumpkins and food allergy children – but why not blue pumpkins for autism!” said Plumer’s friend Lisa Lee to WJLA 7 News channel.

As word quickly spread around the nation, Plumer’s original has now been shared more than 26 thousand times. 

For parents with autistic children, the simple blue bucket is a neat and fun way to allow your child to enjoy the wonders of Halloween without the worry of blending into the crowd too far.

WJLA 7 also spoke with Clinical Psychologist at Children’s National Hospital, Dr. Allison Ratto, who gave some easy tips on how treat-givers can be more inclusive to children with autism over Halloween.

Pick out a few pieces from your hand to give to trick-or-treaters. Some people with autism can get overwhelmed by the option of all the candy in a big bucket and have trouble picking pieces to eat.

Try not to demand that trick-or-treaters say “Trick-or-Treat.” Verbal communication with strangers can be hard for some people on the spectrum. Ratto advises people to encourage treaters to talk by complimenting their costumes.

Be aware of trick-or-treaters with sensory issues. Loud decorations, strobe lights, or fog machines can be overwhelming and distract some trick-or-treaters with autism who are following routines during the night.

Have patience when giving out treats. If you see an older trick-or-treater, pause and remember the spirit of the holiday.

No matter what you plan this Halloween, every child can be inclusive to the night and fully indulge safely as they collect candy on All Hallows Eve. 

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