CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some families with children on the autism spectrum are making some modifications to their Halloween celebrations. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Halloween can be uncomfortable for some children with autism

  •  Making modifications when trick or treating or going to Halloween events can help, according to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst

  •  If children have a blue pumpkin bucket, that could be an indication they have special needs and may express themselves differently than other children

According to Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers Board Certified Behavior Analyst Prentiss Yarborough, Halloween can be uncomfortable for some children. 

“For a child with autism, Halloween can be very tricky because there can be bright lights everywhere, scary noises, people in costumes that may cover their face,” Yarborough said. 

Ashley Crenshaw’s son, Cyril, has autism. She said her family discovered early on trick or treating door to door intimated Cyril. 

“He's running off, and he’s scared, and he’s just very uncomfortable,” Crenshaw said. 

Yarborough said comfort is key. This could mean not participating in trick or treating at all. Another alternative is going trick or treating wearing headphones or carrying a sensory toy. 

Cyril usually wears headphones to muffle the noise at Halloween events that are loud. However, at Autism Charlotte’s Trunk or Treat event on Friday, he didn’t need the headphones. 

The small event had all the fun Halloween offers, including costumes and candy without loud noises. 

“It’s more controlled. We are not out in the street. I feel safe and everyone here has a heightened awareness of the kids we are dealing with,” Crenshaw said.

When they attend Halloween events, Cyril doesn’t wear a full costume. Crenshaw learned early on he doesn’t like them when he cried after wearing a Blue’s Clues costume when he was younger.

“We noticed his sensitivity to touch and other fabrics and just noticing he was a little bit uncomfortable with certain things,” Crenshaw said. 

This year, Cyril is wearing a hoodie of his favorite animated character instead. 

“I never want him to feel he’s not comfortable in what he’s doing. I always want him to be a part but be comfortable and not be ostracized,” Crenshaw said. 

Yarborough said if trick or treaters carry a blue pumpkin bucket, this could mean the child has special needs. This could manifest as a child not being able to say "trick or treat, thank you." However, they can communicate in other ways, including giving a high five or point to the candy they want.

She said if a child doesn’t want to participate, he shouldn’t be forced. A fall event or staying home to watch a movie or have a pajama party are good alternatives.