Recently, while scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon a post from Lila Morgan, a mother of an autistic child who doesn’t speak. She shared that her son would be carrying a blue pumpkin this Halloween to signal to others that he may not verbally say “trick or treat.” Lila expressed that she would say it on his behalf, hoping that if the blue pumpkin becomes a popular symbol, she won’t have to explain his situation to every stranger throughout the night. Her post has gone viral, amassing over 100,000 shares, and many people support this initiative.
I can comprehend where she’s coming from. My youngest child is on the autism spectrum. He can speak, but whether or not he will say “trick or treat” at each house remains uncertain. We are practicing with him in hopes that he will enjoy the festivities. The truth is, we won’t know how it will go until the moment arrives.
As parents of children with various special needs, we strive to make Halloween—and every day—better for our kids. Lila understands how challenging the world can be for children who are different. Her intention behind the blue pumpkin is to ease the experience for her son during what should be a joyful occasion.
I empathize with her, as it’s heart-wrenching when others misunderstand my child. I do everything I can to promote understanding about his unique qualities. It’s easy to see why other parents resonate with this blue pumpkin concept. However, my family won’t be participating in this trend.
A while back, the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization launched The Teal Pumpkin Project to create a safer Halloween for kids with food allergies. Homes displaying a teal pumpkin indicate they offer non-food treats for children with dietary restrictions. This initiative focuses on the households giving out treats, rather than putting the onus on the children to represent their needs.
Every year, we join in by providing candy and safe non-food treats for those who need them. It’s a small way to ensure that all kids can enjoy Halloween.
At first glance, the blue pumpkin idea seems similar to the teal pumpkin initiative. However, I feel they are quite different. Teal pumpkins show that the adults are prepared to accommodate children with food allergies. Kids with these allergies don’t have to identify themselves; they can simply look for teal pumpkins and choose non-food options without divulging their medical conditions.
If someone wants to place a blue pumpkin outside their home to indicate they will be kind to my child, I’m all for it. But it’s disheartening that a caring parent had to devise a way to encourage compassion during something as innocent as trick-or-treating.
Why should non-verbal and autistic children have to wear their diagnoses on their sleeves just to receive kindness? It’s unfair, and it’s frustrating. The blue pumpkin concept exists because some individuals can be unkind to children with special needs.
My kids will be using their regular buckets, just like they do every year. When our neighbors open their doors, they will see my little redheaded dinosaur eagerly holding out his orange bucket, hoping for a piece of candy. Whether he says “trick or treat” or not, everyone will understand his intent. Why should he have to go through an awkward exchange simply because he’s polite?
More importantly, why should he have to display a blue pumpkin to receive a smile and some candy? If you’re handing out treats this Halloween, I believe kindness should extend to every child who approaches your door. It shouldn’t matter if they say “trick or treat,” regardless of whether they have a blue pumpkin.
Most kids are doing their best, and Halloween can be overwhelming, especially for those who feel out of place. It’s one day a year when they can wear costumes and embrace a different persona without the pressure of conforming to societal norms.
Bottom line: Let’s be kind to all children.
If we do that, there won’t be a need for special buckets.
For more insights on creating a supportive environment for children, check out this blog post on home insemination. And if you’re looking for expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource for more information.
In summary, the blue pumpkin initiative, while well-intentioned, highlights the need for kindness and understanding without labeling children. It’s essential to treat every child with respect and compassion, regardless of their communication abilities.