It’s October, and if your child loves Halloween, then they are already thinking about their costume and Trick-or-Treating. Several years ago, the blue pumpkin bucket was introduced via a parent on social media as a way to raise autism awareness and help others know when an autistic child was Trick-or-Treating at their home. Yet, the use of blue pumpkin buckets for autism has sparked a lot of debate between parents about whether it’s a good or bad thing to do for their own autistic children. How do you feel about your child with autism using a blue pumpkin for their Trick-or-Treating?
Where the blue pumpkin bucket for autism idea originated
So where did the idea of using a blue pumpkin bucket for Trick-or-Treating and autism awareness originate from? A parent looking to help other people better understand her son and autism suggested it on social media, and the idea went viral.
Alicia Plumer’s son was 21 years old at the time and loved Halloween and Trick-or-Treating. Some people wouldn’t understand why the adult would be out on Halloween night participating with children in a tradition of going house-to-house and collecting candy. So, she came up with the idea and posted it to her Facebook profile.
The idea came from the teal pumpkin that is used to identify children who have food allergies.
In a Newsweek article, her post noted, “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! His name is BJ & he is autistic. While he has the body of a 21-year-old, he loves Halloween.”
She also said, “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.”
As you can imagine, some parents loved the idea of the blue pumpkin bucket for their own autistic children, and others had a more negative reaction to it. Since then, many parents have debated on whether using the blue pumpkin bucket sends the right message.
Pros of using a blue pumpkin for Trick-or-Treating
Some parents loved the idea of the blue pumpkin and have embraced it for their own autistic children. For them, they like the media attention it has received, and they feel like it helps people in their community better understand their child and why they may not say the same things (or not say anything if they are non-verbal) when Trick-or-Treating.
Other parents like that the blue pumpkin buckets are another way to raise awareness of autism. It’s a touchpoint during the year when information about autism is shared.
Cons of using a blue pumpkin for Trick-or-Treating
The blue pumpkin for autism has also received a lot of backlash from parents. They feel like it unnecessarily brings attention to their autistic child in a situation where it’s not needed. I have seen comments on social media posts such as, “Every child deserves treats if a person is giving out candy for Trick-or-Treating. They shouldn’t expect a child to say the words, ‘Trick or Treat’ to receive the candy.”
Many have stated that they don’t think this is a good way to educate others about autism and isn’t needed.
Decide what is best for your child
As I have said many times, you know what’s best for your child. Whether you decide to have your autistic child use a blue pumpkin bucket for Trick-or-Treating is completely up to you.
If you think this is a good way to help your autistic child and those in your community better understand your child and their behavior, then use the blue pumpkin bucket.
However, if you think it singles out your child and/or excludes them, then use another Trick-or-Treat bucket or bag.
My son J had just stopped Trick-or-Treating when I heard about the blue pumpkin buckets, so I didn’t really think much about it. Over the years, I’ve listened as parents of autistic children have debated and can see both sides of the argument. I don’t know if I necessarily would have purchased and used a blue pumpkin bucket for autism awareness. Of course, J does love the color blue, so he may have wanted to use one.
What do you think about this debate? What ways have helped your child with Trick-or-Treating in your community for Halloween? Leave a comment to share and encourage each other on this journey.
Additional resources
Looking for some additional resources on this topic? Check these out.
Things I Can Say While I am Trick or Treating This Halloween: A Pocket-Sized Book For Children with Autism (affiliate link)
I Am Autistic Halloween Trick Or Treat Autism Awareness Bumper Sticker (affiliate link)
2Pcs Halloween Candy Bucket with LED Colour Lights (affiliate link)
10 Pieces Halloween Pumpkin Bucket Trick or Treat Bucket (affiliate link)
Autism Alert Card – ADHD Awareness Cards Infinity (affiliate link)
