Spooky season is upon us and as households gear up to welcome trick or treaters they may spot people with pumpkin buckets that look a bit different from the usual.
Along with the traditional orange pumpkins, you may also spot people out and about with teal or blue ones too.
The blue pumpkin buckets are being used by trick or treaters to show households they have autism, Manchester Evening News reports .
The idea was started by a mother in America who explained her decision in a Facebook post which has been shared thousands of times.
She wrote: "If you see someone who appears to be an adult dressed up to trick or treat this year carrying this blue bucket, he’s our son!
"His name is BJ & he is autistic.
“While he has the body of a 21 year old, he loves Halloween.
"Please help us keep his spirit alive & happy. So when you see the blue bucket share a piece of candy. Spread awareness! These precious people are not “too big” to trick or treat."
“Love this idea! Hope he has a great Halloween,” one person commented.
Another said: “I will be ready and waiting for BJ.”
According to the NHS website, people with autism frequently have issues with social interaction and communication.
By making it clear to others that a trick or treater is autistic, the hope is that households are receptive to a slightly different kind of interaction.
Teal pumpkins may also be seen due to another campaign which also started in America in 2016.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is an awareness campaign from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) which aims to make sure children with food allergies or other dietary restrictions can also enjoy trick or treating.
According to the FARE website, a teal pumpkin placed on a doorstep symbolises "safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies."
