PENSACOLA, Fla. — Halloween is about two weeks away.
A local non-profit is taking the time to spread awareness of autism before the holiday.
Autism Pensacola aims to create a positive Halloween experience for the autism community.
Director Mary McClellan says this is done through their Blue Pumpkin Campaign.
On Halloween – kids trick or treating may carry blue pumpkin buckets to identify they’re on the autism spectrum.
McClellan says children may not respond as others normally would.
They may avoid eye contact, not answer questions, or not wear a costume.
“The best thing to do is to get at the child’s level,” McClellan said. “You can bend down and talk to the child, the child may not have eye contact so you may not be talking like how you and I are but you would just speak softly in a low voice and offer the candy and just tell them how cute their costume is. Even if they’re not wearing one, just be very understanding that these are the types of responses these children respond to the best.”
She says this is a way to normalize autism and allow children to feel included.
Parents can usually find these blue buckets in stores like Walmart, Spirit Halloween, or online.
Autism Pensacola will host a trunk or treat event on October 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 -pm at 1890 Summit Boulevard.
This article was originally published by a weartv.com . Read the Original article here. .