NACOGDOCHES, TX: A mother from Nacogdoches is raising awareness about autism in East Texas by planning a different kind of Halloween event. (This local news story is from 2016.)
SIMILAR STORY: Halloween Ideas for Kids with Autism
Fight It With Fun, the organisation she works with, is hosting its first Halloween event. Money raised will go towards educating people and improving facilities for autistic children.
Courtney Gray, founder of Fight It With Fun, says she hopes the event brings smiles to everyone involved and raises more funds for causes like this in future.
Gray also said she hoped to get everyone out of the house and create a space where children with special needs can get together and enjoy themselves.
The event is planned for “Hotel Transyldoches”, where children can enjoy a calm setting, and a few sensory games are planned for families.
Costs are kept low: $5 per adult and $2.50 for young children. Family passes cost $20 and cover 4 children and 2 adults.
All proceeds will be donated to Fight It With Fun. The festive activities will include candy, inflatables and more.
Gray said she hopes this is just the start, and that the event will grow into something much bigger over time. She added that children on the spectrum deserve more events like this.
Making Halloween enjoyable for autistic children
Halloween can be exciting, but costumes, masks, doorbells and crowds can also be a lot for an autistic child. A few things often help: let your child choose a comfortable costume (or none at all), practise trick-or-treating at home, go early while it’s quieter, and agree on a signal for when they want to go home. Sensory-friendly events like this one give children a chance to join in at their own pace.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
