Column: Why you may be seeing blue buckets on Halloween

What purportedly started as a Facebook post to friends from a mom anxious that her 21-year-old autistic son didn't get turned away at the door while trick-or-treating is blossoming into a national phenomenon.

Last October, Alicia Plumer posted a photo of a blue jack-o'-lantern treat bucket and the note: "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. ... Spread awareness!"

Her message took the Internet by storm.

It has become so widespread that Newsweek addressed the phenomenon in an article this month: "Halloween Blue Bucket Autism Link Explained," and told of the Louisiana mom's involvement.

The blue trick-or-treat buckets are not an official symbol of autism and have not been endorsed by national autism organizations, but blue jack-o'-lanterns and pails are sold at Walmart, Target and Spirit Halloween stores and are available on Amazon.com.

Amy Munera, president of Autism Society San Diego, thinks word has spread within the autism community. "But I'm not sure the general public is aware of this," said the San Marcos mom.

She explained that many children with autism are non-verbal and can't say "trick-or-treat" or "thank you."

Some avoid eye contact and others can't tolerate wearing masks. Often, too, as youngsters they find Halloween scary and overwhelming and aren't comfortable trick-or-treating until they become teen-agers or older. They may get turned away from some homes or asked questions they can't answer.

Munera knows parents who make badges, calling cards or special bags with explanatory messages for their trick-or-treaters who faced such issues.

The pumpkin of a different color idea isn't without precedent. In 2014, the Teal Pumpkin Project was launched by the Food Allergy Research and Education group to cater to kids with allergies. The group suggested residents set a teal pumpkin on their doorstep as a signal that they have have non-food items such as tiny toys to give to kids with allergies.

Munera bought a teal pumpkin and arms herself with dollar-store items for kids unable to eat the normal Halloween fare. She says the blue bucket idea, though, is a bit controversial among those with autism, and it isn't for everyone.

"Our family is not going to use them," she said. "We don't need to broadcast our diagnosis to the world. ... Not everyone is super comfortable with the idea."

Sweet deal: Meanwhile, for those kids who normally turn their sweet-tooth loot into their dentist in exchange for toys or cash after Halloween, the Helen Woodward Animal Center has a counteroffer. Kids 12 and younger are invited on Nov. 1 to 3 to trade their Halloween treats for adoption fee discounts. For every 50 pieces of candy, $10 will be knocked off — up to a maximum of $80 (or 400 candies) for a dog adoption and up to $50 (or 250 candies) for a cat adoption. There's one caveat, however. Parental approval is a must.

The shelter has nicknamed their adoptable pets "The Candy Critters" and is assuring potential adoptees that they won't cause any cavities.

Around town: Grammy Award-winning singer and performer Ne-Yo, got into the Halloween spirit when he toured San Diego's Theatre Box in the Gaslamp Quarter on Sunday. He filled a personalized candy bag at the Sugar Factory with Skittles, Jelly Belly Sours and gummies. Oh, and he was seen sampling one of the brasserie's signature Smoking Candy Goblets containing, among other goodies, raspberry rum, blueberry vodka and gummy sharks. ...

John Cena, the WWE wrestler and actor who was formerly engaged to local resident Nikki Bella, has a movie, "Playing With Fire," opening in theaters on Nov. 8. With the focus on California wildfires, Cena praised first responders on a YouTube video post and said he is giving $500,000 to aid "those who risk their lives to protect us all."

He made the announcement on Oct. 28, First Responders Day, and asked Paramount Pictures to help choose the recipient. His contribution will be shared by the California Fire Foundation and the L.A. Fire Department Foundation.

About 18 months ago, Nikki and her twin sister Brie, who both shot to fame on WWE and costar in a streamed YouTube reality series, "Total Bellas," aired a tour given by Nikki and John of their new San Diego home in happier days. After six years of dating, the WWE power couple split just three weeks before their May 5, 2018, wedding date.

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