Autism Awareness during Halloween with blue candy buckets

Posted by Carrie Pierce

Updated on October 21st, 2019

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Published in Local News

It’s almost that time again for the parade of kids dressed up in the array of costumes looking for candy.If you are passing out goodies, be on the lookout for blue pumpkins or bags this year. This signifies that they are on the Autism spectrum.

 In 2018 the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or ASD. An estimated one-third of people with autism are non-verbal. 31% of children with ASD have an IQ less than 70, and 25% are in the borderline range of 71-85.  Nearly two-thirds of children with autism between the ages of 6 and 15 have been bullied.

 A blue Halloween bucket has become an unofficial symbol of awareness for autism. The blue bucket provides a subtle, way of alerting people that this child or young adult may not be able to make eye contact or say “thank you”. Parents hope that this campaign will help all children feel more included, regardless of their age.

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• Family Fun (856)
• Halloween (68)
• Trick or Treating (3)