Recently, I logged into Facebook and stumbled upon a post about blue pumpkins. A mother named Lisa Green, whose child is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum, shared that her son would be taking a blue pumpkin this Halloween to communicate that he might not say “trick or treat.” She expressed her desire to say it on his behalf, hoping that if the blue pumpkin idea gains traction, she won’t have to explain her son’s situation to every stranger they encounter throughout the night.
Her post went viral, amassing over 100,000 shares. Many people see it as a thoughtful initiative.
I understand her perspective. My youngest child is also autistic. He has some verbal skills, but there’s no guarantee he will say “trick or treat” at every door. We’ve been practicing with him and are optimistic about his experience. The truth is, we won’t know how it will go until he has the chance to try.
Parents like us, with children who have unique needs, strive to make Halloween—and every day—special for our kids. Lisa Green clearly understands the challenges faced by children who are different. I recognize that her suggestion is rooted in the hope that a simple blue pumpkin could ease her child’s experience on a day meant for fun.
I empathize with her feelings; my heart also aches when others misinterpret my son’s actions. I’d do anything to promote awareness about how remarkable he is. I get why many parents resonate with this idea, but our family won’t be using a blue pumpkin this year.
A few years back, Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) launched The Teal Pumpkin Project to create a safer Halloween for kids with food allergies. Homes can display a teal pumpkin to indicate they offer non-food treats, allowing children with dietary restrictions to enjoy the holiday. Some children with food allergies also carry teal pumpkins to signify their need for safe treats. This project focuses on the homes providing treats, not the individual trick-or-treaters.
We actively participate in this initiative, providing both candy and safe non-food alternatives. It’s a small way to include children who might otherwise miss out on Halloween festivities.
At first glance, the blue pumpkin concept seems akin to the teal pumpkin project. However, to me, it feels quite different. Teal pumpkins indicate that the homeowners are prepared to accommodate kids with allergies—encouraging kindness and inclusion for those who struggle with conventional treats.
Children with food allergies aren’t required to announce their condition; they simply look for teal pumpkins and can choose non-food items. This approach allows the majority to be accommodating without burdening the minority with the need to disclose personal medical histories.
If someone wants to place a blue pumpkin on their porch as a signal to me that they will be kind to my child—whether he says “trick or treat” or not—I’m all for that. But I find it disheartening that a loving mother felt compelled to devise a way for her child to navigate the world more easily during such a simple tradition as trick-or-treating.
Why should non-verbal and autistic children have to wear their diagnoses visibly, merely to encourage kindness from others? It’s not fair, and it’s frustrating.
This blue pumpkin trend exists because, unfortunately, some individuals can be unkind to children with special needs. My kids will be using their standard trick-or-treat buckets like they do every year. When our neighbors open their doors, they will see a little red-headed dinosaur grinning from ear to ear, clutching his orange bucket. Whether he manages to say “trick or treat” or not, they will know exactly what he’s there for. Why should he feel pressured to explain himself when he’s simply being polite?
More importantly, why should he carry a blue symbol of his neurodiversity just to elicit a friendly response?
If you’re participating in Halloween and handing out treats, I believe you should extend kindness to every child who approaches your door. It’s only essential for others to know my son’s background if they wish to feel good about being nice to him. It’s unnecessary for anyone to be aware of his autism if their intention is simply to be kind.
Be gracious to all children. Offer candy to any kid who knocks—no need to demand the phrase “trick or treat,” regardless of whether they have a blue pumpkin. It’s not your concern why they may not say it; they might be shy, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood.
The bottom line is this: Halloween can be overwhelming for kids who don’t quite fit the mold. But it’s also a day where they can dress up and momentarily escape societal pressures to conform.
Let’s not make them carry specialized buckets to earn basic kindness.
In summary, the blue pumpkin initiative, while well-intentioned, highlights a deeper issue: the need for kindness and understanding without requiring children to disclose their unique challenges. Let’s simply be nice to every child on Halloween.
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