I'm sure by now you've heard of the Blue Bucket Project, aimed at 'normalizing' the Halloween experience for children with autism.
Don't get me started.
I have so many problems with this project, I don't even know where to start--oh, but believe me--dear readers, you know me well--I'm going to start.
Yep, here it comes.
Yes, let's single our children out even further--let's further the stigma our children already carry by forcing them to carry a gigantic poster board that screams, "HEY WORLD, I HAVE AUTISM!"
Granted, I can see some pros to this. As Ezra's parents, we're exhausted with explaining why he's not in a costume. He loves the idea of costumes, but hates wearing them. There are some children who are unable to make eye contact, or say, "Trick or Treat" or "thank you." There are others who don't understand social cues and norms, and may try to enter your home. There are many reactions a blue pumpkin could help head off and explain to the untrained eye--that is, if the untrained eye is aware of this project.
The public is being encouraged to display blue pumpkins outside their homes to show their support for the Blue Pumpkin Project. There are even flyers being distributed throughout social media and other internet sites, downloadable, so people can put them on their door to let the world know they are an autism friendly house. Gag.
For the parents who will be subjected to amateur diagnosticians, and those who want to talk about your child's diagnosis--I am so sorry. And really, please feel free to put those types in their place!
The past few years it's been teal pumpkins for children with allergies. This year it's blue pumpkins for children with autism. Next year, these social justice warriors will move on to a new cause, and there will be a new pumpkin color. I want to scream, "GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!!"
So, here's the thing--how about, just don't be an asshole to kids?
It's ONE night. If you don't want to participate, don't. Don't turn on your lights, don't hand out candy.
Otherwise, it's so very simple--just be kind to kids. Have fun. Let them have fun.
And don't be an asshole.
I posted on this on my community's Facebook page and said, "not every autie has a blue bucket, and not every blue bucket has an autie, so be kind to EVERYONE. Be patient with the kiddo that takes that extra time... they may have a good allergy or they may just be making a calculated decision on what someone else they share their candy with might like vs just themselves., so just do the right thing - the human thing - AND JUST BE NICE TO EVERYONE!" <3
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