PEORIA, Ill. – A trend around Halloween can speak volumes for some children who do not communicate the same as other children.
Katlyn Linsley, President of the Central Illinois Autism Association, said for the last few years, the blue bucket trend has been a popular way to communicate that the trick-or-treater could have autism or special needs.
“Families are doing their best to indicate different ways that their children communicate differently because of their autism, or might just have some special needs while they’re trying to go out and enjoy the night, instead of trying to explain everything at every house they go to,” Linsley said.
The popularity of the blue buckets has picked up recently, as well as the want and need for inclusion.
“And, for families to be able to do what all the other kids do is really at the forefront right now,” Linsley said. “I think that parents and community members are really just looking for a way for kids to enjoy holidays just like every other kid would, and ways to make our community more autism friendly.”
Parents just want their children to have a good time and end the night excited, even if their child doesn’t say ‘trick-or-treat’.
“It really just comes from an area of not having judgement and kids might not communicate the same, or kids may seem to be too old to be trick or treating, but really it could be something that brings them joy,” Linsley said. “Really just having patience throughout the night with barking dogs, and crowded children, and kids in costumes can be overwhelming.”
Linsley said that is it best to treat children who have blue buckets just like the other children who come to the door, because they are just looking for a fun time for Halloween.
