I’m excited to see so much autism awareness this Halloween! In case you missed it, there is a trend this year to provide blue pumpkins for those with autism ( https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mom-urges-blue-halloween-buckets-to-raise-autism-awareness/). The goal is to provide a subtle notification to the candy-givers that the trick-or-treat-er with the blue pumpkin may not be able to to speak, as approximately of individuals with autism cannot speak.

At Abramson AAC, I think this is great! My suggestion, however, is to teach someone how to express “Trick or treat” or similar messages using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Let’s put visuals on that pumpkin – or program messages into an iPad to allow learners with autism to more actively participate in Halloween! If you really want to have fun, consider using words and phrases such as, “Boooooooo” and “I tricked you!” Always remember, communication should be fun!

~Jennifer Abramson, MS, CCC-SLP