Mom Encourages Awareness Of Trick-Or-Treaters With Autism With ‘Blue Bucket’ Facebook Post
Oct 16, 2019, 6:49 AM | Updated: Feb 13, 2023, 2:44 pm
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The color of that jack-o-lantern bucket a trick-or-treater may be toting around on Halloween night might have some significance.
However, don’t put too much stock into whether a bucket is blue — or any other color for that matter.
A Facebook message posted Oct. 13 has gone viral after a mom shared her story of trick-or-treating with her 3-year-old son who has autism.
“He is nonverbal,” wrote Omairis Taylor. “Last year houses will wait for him to say TRICK OR TREAT in order for him to get a piece of candy and there I go explaining the situation for the next 5 blocks. This year we will be trying the BLUE BUCKET to signify he has autism.”
My son is 3 years old and has autism. He is nonverbal. Last year houses will wait for him to say TRICK OR TREAT in order…
Posted by Omairis Taylor on Sunday, October 13, 2019
Taylor suggested children who have autism use a blue bucket so their neighbors will know they have autism and might not be saying “trick or treat.”
“This holiday is hard enough without any added stress,” Taylor wrote. “Thank you in advance.”
It should be noted that carrying a blue bucket is not a universally-recognized symbol of autism. The nonprofit organization Autism Speaks, for example, has a Halloween guide that does not mention colored buckets as a signifier. It does, however, note that trick-or-treaters with autism might wear a badge or carry a sign.
“If I want to, I can wear a special badge or carry a bag with a sign so that the people who give out treats understand I might communicate a little bit differently,” according to the guide.
It includes an example of a badge that reads: “Hello! I have autism. I may not say ‘Trick or Treat’ but I am trying!”
The Autism Society also has a “Halloween Tips and Tricks” page on its website that does not include any information about blue buckets.
The blue pumpkin may also be easily confused with the Teal Pumpkin Project, which is an effort to encourage food allergy awareness. According to foodallergy.org, placing a teal pumpkin in front of a house indicates there will be non-food treats available for trick-or-treaters who have food allergies.
A good rule of thumb is to enjoy the holiday and not demand each child say “trick or treat” before receiving a piece of candy.
