The Positivity Spectrum wishes to remind local law enforcement officers that not allchildren participate or experience Halloween in the same way. Those with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, or other neurodivergences may be extra-sensitive to things that are traditionally done to delight their neurotypical peers.
This Halloween season, when you see large groups of children out and about, beforeyou flash your lights or blare your sirens, please take a moment to pause and refrain from doing so. If there is a sensory sensitive child in the mix, such sirens and lights could be a trigger and cause a meltdown, an involuntary response to overstimulation.
Many of us in the neurodivergent community work really hard to prepare our children for Halloween events such as trunk or treats and trick or treating in the neighborhood. When law enforcement or first responders come through and with the best of intentions blare sirens and flash lights, it can turn what should be a fun and safe night for our children into a nightmare.
Thank you for your continued efforts to understand and accommodate neurodivergent individuals so that we can all have a safe and fun Halloween together.