Celebrating Inclusion: Why We Don't Use a Blue Bucket for Halloween

As Halloween approaches, parents often seek ways to ensure their children have a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience. One trend that has gained traction in recent years is the use of a blue bucket to signify that a child is autistic or has other disabilities. While this gesture comes from a place of good intentions, my family has made the conscious decision not to participate in this practice. In this blog post, I'd like to share our perspective on why we choose not to use a blue bucket for Halloween, and why promoting inclusion and understanding is so important to us.

My Story As a mom to two incredible boys—one 13-year-old and the other 5—I'm always striving to create a world where they feel accepted and celebrated for exactly who they are. My oldest, with his quick wit and self-assured demeanor, often surprises people when they learn he's autistic. He's the kind of kid who challenges stereotypes simply by being himself, confidently asserting, "You don't have to like me, but you do have to be nice to me." He's worked hard to navigate social cues and advocate for himself, but he's also taught me that autism isn't something to hide or be ashamed of—it's just one part of who he is.

Then there's my youngest, a bundle of energy and joy who lights up our lives with his infectious laughter and bear hugs. At 5 years old, he's still finding his voice, communicating in his own unique way. While some may find his lack of verbal communication challenging, to me, he's simply my little Mr. Potato Head (or Woody, or Buzz—depending on his mood), ready to take on the world in his favorite character costume.

When Halloween rolls around, I'm often asked if I'll be using a blue bucket to indicate that my boys are autistic. And while I understand the intention behind this gesture, I've made the conscious decision not to participate. Why? Because I believe in celebrating neurodiversity in all its forms, without the need for labels or symbols.

My youngest may struggle to communicate with words, but his laughter speaks volumes. And as he excitedly knocks on doors, dressed as his favorite Toy Story character, I expect nothing less than the same enthusiasm from our community. Because every child deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and acceptance—regardless of their abilities.

Embracing Neurodiversity At the heart of our decision is a commitment to embracing neurodiversity—the idea that neurological differences, including autism, are natural variations of the human brain. By celebrating neurodiversity, we reject the notion that autism is something to be hidden or ashamed of. Instead, we encourage acceptance and understanding of all individuals, regardless of their neurological differences.

Avoiding Stigmatization While the intention behind using a blue bucket may be to increase awareness and understanding of autism, it can inadvertently contribute to the stigmatization of autistic individuals. Placing a visible marker on a child's Halloween bucket can draw unwanted attention and reinforce stereotypes about autism. Rather than singling out children with disabilities, we believe in treating all children with kindness, respect, and acceptance, regardless of their neurology.

Promoting Inclusive Practices Rather than relying on external markers to indicate a child's disability, we advocate for inclusive practices that benefit all children. This includes creating sensory-friendly environments, providing clear communication and instructions, and offering support and accommodations as needed. By promoting inclusive practices, we create a more welcoming and supportive community for all children, regardless of their abilities.

Fostering Empathy and Understanding Rather than focusing on external symbols, we believe in fostering empathy and understanding among children and adults alike. By teaching our children to be kind, compassionate, and accepting of others, we create a more inclusive society where differences are celebrated rather than stigmatized. Through education and awareness, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive world for everyone.

Encouraging Open Dialogue Finally, we believe in the power of open dialogue and communication when it comes to discussing disabilities. Rather than relying on symbols or labels, we encourage honest conversations about autism and other disabilities. By openly discussing differences and celebrating diversity, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where all individuals feel valued and accepted.

Conclusion: While the use of a blue bucket may be well-intentioned, my family has chosen not to participate in this practice. Instead, we advocate for celebrating neurodiversity, promoting inclusive practices, fostering empathy and understanding, and encouraging open dialogue about disabilities. By embracing these values, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming world for all children, regardless of their abilities. This Halloween, let's focus on celebrating diversity and spreading kindness and acceptance to everyone we encounter.

So this Halloween, as we venture out into the neighborhood in search of candy and fun, I'll be celebrating inclusion in my own way. And while our costumes may vary, our message remains the same: we're all in this together, embracing our differences and celebrating what makes each of us unique.