Keep an Eye Out for Blue Trick-or-Treat Buckets on Halloween Night

For many children, Halloween is filled with laughter while walking around the neighborhood. But, for children with Autism, Halloween can be extremely stressful, and the simple act of saying “trick-or-treat” isn’t possible for children that are nonverbal.

One mom is on a mission to bring Autism awareness across the country on Halloween night. Omairis Taylor’s viral Facebook post has garnered over 40,000 likes and 156,000 shares. In the post, Taylor states, “My son is 3 years old and has autism. He is nonverbal. Last year houses waited for him to say TRICK OR TREAT for him to get a piece of candy. This year we will be trying the BLUE BUCKET to signify he has autism. Please allow him (or anyone with a BLUE BUCKET) to enjoy this day.” The post has received overwhelming support, and many commenters were excited to learn the meaning behind the blue bucket. One commenter said, “Thanks for sharing that - I had NO idea!” while another wrote, “Great idea. I for one love that he or she can enjoy the holiday.”

Image via Newsweek

The blue buckets are part of an Autism awareness initiative, and People.com says, “Taylor is spreading awareness for the blue Halloween bucket initiative, where children on the spectrum carry a blue version of the traditional candy-collecting pail to signal that they may have autism and have a hard time asking for candy.”

The Blue Bucket Initiative Continues to Go Viral

The blue bucket initiative first went viral last year when a Louisiana mom, Alicia Plumer, announced that her 21-year-old son would be trick-or-treating with a blue bucket. Plumer wrote, “Trick or Treat....the BLUE BUCKET...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. Please help us keep his spirit alive & happy. So when you see the blue bucket, share a piece of candy. Spread awareness!”