Blue pumpkins are helping make Halloween easier for families with non-verbal children that are on the autism spectrum.
Much like the teal pumpkin, which raises awareness about food allergies, the blue pumpkin is a way to subtly signal that a child is on the autism spectrum and make it easier for families to enjoy the holiday without feeling the need to explain their child’s situation to others.
When Jennifer Band’s son Cody, who is on the spectrum, went trick-or-treating as a child, the neighborhood often struggled to understand that Cody was nonverbal.
“They would basically hold the candy hostage until they got a trick-or-treat,” Band said to NBC affiliate KSDK-TV.
Her Autism Awareness Shop in Tampa, Florida has sold more than 300 of the blue pumpkins this year, which can be used to carry candy and remind people to show a little bit more love and compassion this holiday season.
“Using these blue pumpkins will help individuals answering the door for trick-or-treaters understand and have a little bit more compassion and patience. Autism is an amazing gift and a very big challenge at the same time,” Band said.
If you’re looking for a last minute blue bucket purchase, here’s a link to your local Walmart — they’re selling them for around $2.
Happy Halloween!
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