--- title: "Teal Pumpkin Project: How Your Neighborhood Can Be More Inclusive This Halloween" description: Participating in and spreading awareness about the Teal Pumpkin Project will make Halloween 2026 the most inclusive yet for your neighborhood. image: https://neuronav.org/hubfs/167.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/teal-pumpkin-project-inclusive-halloween#main-content) [![nn\_logo\_wide\_white](https://neuronav.org/hs-fs/hubfs/nn_logo_wide_white.png?width=2641&height=640&name=nn_logo_wide_white.png "nn_logo_wide_white")](https://www.neuronav.org/) - [For Individuals](https://neuronav.org/families) - [For Regional Centers](https://neuronav.org/regional-centers) - Knowledge - [Self-Determination Blog](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog) - [Events](https://neuronav.org/events) - [Newsletter Sign Up](https://neuronav.org/newslettersignup) - About Us - [Team](https://neuronav.org/about-us) - [Careers](https://careers.neuronav.org/home) - [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation-main) - [Relationships](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/relationships), - [Wellness](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/tag/wellness) # Teal Pumpkin Project: How Your Neighborhood Can Be More Inclusive This Halloween ![Four pumpkins of varying shades of orange sit beside a “TRICK OR TREAT” sign](https://neuronav.org/hubfs/167.jpg) Ask almost any child what their favorite part of Halloween is, and you’ll probably get some variation of, “All the candy, duh!” Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, not every child can eat most of the candy households give to trick-or-treaters. That doesn’t mean those kids should miss out on going to neighbors’ homes, gleefully exclaiming, “Trick or treat!” and amassing a well-earned haul of goodies. That’s the main idea behind the [Teal Pumpkin Project](https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/teal-pumpkin-project). In this blog, we’ll share the key facts about the program, along with ways to make Halloween as inclusive as possible.   ## What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project? The Teal Pumpkin Project is a growing movement powered by people who want to make Halloween more inclusive for children with [food allergies and sensitivities](https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/understanding-autism-and-food-aversions). Around [one in 13 children](https://www.foodallergy.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/FARE%20Food%20Allergy%20Facts%20and%20Statistics_April2024.pdf) in the U.S. have some sort of food allergy. That’s at least fou**r million** kids who must carefully monitor their Halloween haul and filter out candy with unsafe ingredients. Even more children have one or more feeding challenges. Many people with autism are highly sensitive to sensory stimulation, which can translate into difficulties with overly crunchy or sour food. Down syndrome can cause low muscle tone in the colon, leading to frequent constipation. And 12% of children with cerebral palsy [use feeding tubes](https://cprn.org/exploring-tube-feeding-in-children-with-cerebral-palsy/). The Teal Pumpkin Project aims to help all of these children enjoy Halloween as much as every other kid. It’s not about erasing the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating so much as expanding the celebration. ## How to Get in on the Teal Pumpkin Project in Your Neighborhood Getting involved in the Teal Pumpkin Project is super easy. Here are some tips to maximize your participation this year. ### Where Can I Get a Teal Pumpkin? Numerous retailers, both online and in person, sell plastic teal pumpkins. You can Google “teal pumpkins near me” to find local stores that carry them. If you’d like to decorate a real pumpkin, most art supply stores carry teal paint. If you don’t have one nearby, check a hardware store or somewhere like Michael’s. You can always print out a free mini sign from the [Teal Pumpkin Project’s website](https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/get-your-teal-pumpkin-project-printables). ### What Are Good Non-Food Treats to Pass Out on Halloween? A teal-colored pumpkin on your front porch or mailbox signals to children with food allergies that you pass out something other than candy on Halloween night. The fun part is getting creative with the [small toys and knick-knacks](https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/ideas-non-food-treats) you decide on. Glow sticks, necklaces, and rings work quite well, as do bouncy balls, pencils, crayons, erasers, and bubbles. Think about the lower-level prizes you might get at an arcade. ### Can I Do Anything Before Halloween to Spread Awareness? Yes—posting on social media and in local parents’ groups is a great way to spread the word about the Teal Pumpkin Project. Placing [informational flyers](https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/get-your-teal-pumpkin-project-printables) at your child’s pediatrician’s or dentist's office can also be helpful. ## Tips for Neurodivergent Trick-or-Treaters Halloween can also be challenging for autistic and other neurodivergent children. The ritual of ringing a stranger’s doorbell and interacting with them can be overwhelming for some, not to mention the scary costumes and startling sound effects they’ll likely encounter. Here are a few ways to ease the sensory burden for neurodivergent trick-or-treaters: - **Get a blue bucket**. Although it’s not as well-advertised as the Teal Pumpkin Project, many parents of autistic children have begun purchasing [blue plastic pumpkins](https://nationalautismassociation.org/blue-buckets-for-halloween/). Blue is the color for autism awareness, and a blue pumpkin signals that a child might not be comfortable speaking to strangers but is still excited to participate in [Halloween](http://halloween.be). - **Pick out low-sensory costumes**. A lot of Halloween costumes feature rough fabrics and loud noises that children with autism prefer to avoid. Ensure your child tries out their costume before the big night. - **Go trick-or-treating earlier in the evening**. Most children go door to door when it starts getting dark. If your child does not handle crowds very well, it might be good to start your route in the late afternoon. Remember that you know your child better than anyone else. Trust your instincts, bring a sensory toolkit, and have a backup plan ready. ## Discover More Disability-Friendly and Inclusive Ideas for Fun with NeuroNav Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project is one of many ways we can make holidays and traditions more inclusive for all children. Neurodivergent kids, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs), deserve to not only *participate* in the world, but to realize their loftiest hopes and dreams. The Self-Determination Program (SDP) in California helps countless individuals with IDDs find accommodations in a world built for neurotypical people. The Program gives participants the power to find their own supports (and employees, in some cases) for maximizing their independence and interdependence. NeuroNav’s sole mission is to guide participants through SDP and advocate for their needs at every turn. Whether you’ve been thinking about enrolling your child in SDP or are looking for ongoing [independent facilitation services](https://neuronav.org/services), we’d be honored to help. Please reach out to [schedule a consultation](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) with our team at your earliest convenience! ## Related Articles Dive into more topics and stories that resonate with your interests. Our handpicked articles offer a deeper look into the world of Self-Determination and beyond. Check all articles ### Ready to Navigate Life with Us? Embark on your Self-Determination journey with confidence. Request your free consultation with NeuroNav and discover the personalized support waiting for you. [GET STARTED](https://neuronav.org/free-consultation) Subscribe for ### Interested in More Insights? Stay in the loop with the latest from our blog. Sign up now and never miss out on empowering stories, tips, and updates. 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