30 October 2023 , 17:09
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The mother of an autistic child has found a creative solution to help him trick or treat for Halloween this year. Her son will be carrying a special blue bucket this year, to signal to others that he has autism.
Six-year-old Noa does not speak because of his condition, and in the past people have accused him of being rude when they hand out sweets. on the spooky night. But in the United States, blue buckets are used to avoid this scenario, and Noa's mother hopes the practice can be adopted in the UK.
Sophie Underwood-Jones said: "It's just a small little thing for us as a family that you don't have to explain about your children - about their disability." She discovered the blue buckets while scrolling through social media, and saw an advert for them in US supermarkets.
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Six-year-old Noa does not speak because of his condition, and in the past people have accused him of being rude when they hand out sweets (Getty Images)"It's a great idea, you've got so many children locally that would benefit from these," she said, BBC News reports. Sophie, of Pwllheli, Gwynedd, found a blue pumpkin-shaped bucket in an online store in the UK and hopes it will help Noa have a more positive experience.
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"I'm very fortunate with Noa, he does love parties, different activities going on through the year - when we decorate the house, he notices the difference," she said. Noa has gone trick or treating since he was a baby, but Sophie explained that his experience hasn't always been "the best."
"I have had little comments being made towards Noa that he didn't thank the people for the sweets, or he never said 'trick or treat'. It's very hard for me to accept it as a mother. I don't like going places and having to explain that I've got an autistic child that is non-verbal. We're in 2023 now and I feel children like Noa - and adults - should be accepted.
"They shouldn't have to explain who they are or if they do have a disability." Sophie has been recording Noa's challenges as a child with autism on Instagram, to raise awareness of his condition.
"It's just a little bit about us and our family, about Noa, where we take him for days out - what works - what doesn't work," she said. One post depicts Noa at a pumpkin farm where he went to pick out his own Halloween pumpkin.
Sophie discovered blue buckets while scrolling through social media, and saw an advert for them in US supermarkets (Amazon)She said: "It's about sharing experiences, making new friends, sharing the load I suppose, because it can be pretty difficult at times. But at the same time, it's the most rewarding job for myself as well."
The move to make more people understand the purpose of blue pumpkin buckets has been embraced by the head teacher of one of the country's largest special schools, Ysgol Pendalar in Caernarfon. Bethan Morris Jones said it was about helping educate others.
"It just lets people know, without having to explain, that your child may have autism or any other special educational needs. It's just an opportunity for families to enjoy this event, of just having fun and going around their local community, without being scared of knocking on doors."
Noa's mother said she just wanted to "get the word out" in time for Halloween. "Please appreciate that if you do come across anybody with a blue bucket - or not a blue bucket - that can't talk, doesn't want to talk, who might scream at you doorstep - just accept those children," she said.
"For me as a mother, I want my child to see the world and have every experience possible - and be happy and safe."