Shades of fall: Purple, teal and blue pumpkins promote safer celebrations

As autumn settles in and pumpkins begin to fill stoops and sidewalks, flashes of blue, teal and purple now mingle with the classic orange. These vibrant hues are more than seasonal decorations—they represent a growing movement to make Halloween safe and inclusive for everyone.

The “pumpkin projects” began in 2012 when the Purple Pumpkin Project was founded by a Connecticut dad to raise awareness for epilepsy. Two years later, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) introduced the Teal Pumpkin Project, which encourages households to offer allergy-friendly treats. By 2018, awareness for autism joined the mix with the Blue Pumpkin Project, spreading a message of understanding for children who experience Halloween a little differently.

Purple Pumpkin Project: Raising epilepsy awareness

Nearly half a million children 17 or younger in the United States have epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Samba Reddy, PhD, RPh, Regents Professor at Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine has studied epilepsy and brain disorders for over 25 years.

He said that the overall risk to children with seizure disorders during celebrations like trick-or-treating is low, but flashing lights remain the most unpredictable danger.

“Most children are not photosensitive seizure type,” Reddy said. “But if parents know a previous seizure has happened anytime with photosensitive conditions, those children and adolescents should be aware of areas with a lot of flickering lights and flashy decorations.”

Only a small percentage of people with epilepsy are sensitive to flashing lights, but even common lights—like headlights or blinkers from vehicles—could pose a risk. Reddy emphasized being hypervigilant if it is a known trigger.

If you choose to create an epilepsy-safe environment for the season, place lights with cyclical flashing patterns in areas that are easily avoided by those who may be affected. Slowing down flashing patterns or changing them to static can also help provide a safer environment.

For children with epilepsy, Reddy emphasized the importance of maintaining routines—even amid the change of pace that comes with the holiday. He noted that the excitement can make it easy to forget a medication dose. Combined with extra fatigue from walking or staying up later than normal, a missed dose can increase the risk of seizures. Reddy recommended taking the nightly dose on time and being mindful of how much you’re walking and how late you stay out to help avoid potential triggers.

Children with epilepsy, he said, can celebrate the holiday very similarly to their peers with just a little more caution and care.

Teal Pumpkin Project: Supporting kids with food allergies

According to recent surveys, about 33 million people and nearly 6% of children under 17 are diagnosed with at least one food allergy. Many of these children are allergic to common candy ingredients, such as milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat.

Priscilla Flores, a registered dietitian at the Texas A&M Health Coastal Bend Health Education Center, recommended checking the labels on all Halloween candy—both for trick-or-treaters and for households that want to keep the holiday allergy-friendly.

“The fun size item of something and the larger size of the exact same thing might have different allergens,” Flores said. “So, you want to make sure and look at the labels on both. They might have different ingredients or be made on different equipment, so you don’t want to assume.”

Allergic reactions vary widely, from mild symptoms such as a scratchy throat or rash to anaphylactic shock, a severe reaction that can be life-threatening without immediate treatment. Some communities have found ways to avoid the risk altogether, Flores said.

As community events like trunk-or-treats and Halloween parties grow in popularity, more families are also turning to non-food treats. Small toys, pencils, bubbles and glow sticks are popular alternatives to candy—and they add an extra layer of safety for children with food allergies who might otherwise have to avoid filling their basket altogether.

If you choose to offer both food and non-food treats, FARE recommends separating them to avoid potential cross-contamination. Any allergy safe locations can be added to the 2025 Teal Pumpkin Project Map.

Blue Pumpkin Project: Promoting autism awareness

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disability that affects how a person behaves, communicates, interacts, learns and experiences the world—and those differences shape the way they connect and engage with others.

Israel Arevalo, PhD, LSP, is a psychologist, school psychologist, and research scientist at the Texas A&M Health Telehealth Institute. As a former special education teacher who now provides psychological services in the greater Houston area and across rural Texas, Arevalo has spent much of his career working with children with autism spectrum disorder. He said awareness projects play an important role in helping others better understand and support individuals with ASD.

“Autism is definitely a spectrum in the sense that each individual has their own strengths and differences,” Arevalo said. “The Blue Pumpkin Project helps bring awareness to some of those differences. It may not teach somebody exactly what those differences are, but it shines a light on them. For example, when someone sees a blue pumpkin—even if they don’t know what it means—they’ll hopefully go look it up and learn something new about ASD.”

He added that awareness projects inspire communities to learn how they can better accommodate and support those with ASD. By increasing understanding and compassion, these initiatives encourage people to create more inclusive environments, whether in schools, workplaces, or public spaces, where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Halloween and other celebrations can be challenging for individuals with autism because they often involve bright lights, different routines, and crowded environments, all of which can be overstimulating. To help minimize reactions, Arevalo recommended preparing children ahead of time by explaining what to expect.

“Bibliotherapy and social stories can be incredibly useful for preparing children for large events in a way that’s accessible and age-appropriate,” he said. “And don’t forget a test run in the costume. Picking out a costume of their favorite character is part of the fun, but you don’t want to find out on Halloween night that it’s too overstimulating to wear.”

Finding the right balance between including a child with their peers and accommodating their needs can be difficult. Arevalo said it’s important to first ask the child what they would like to do and collaboratively work out a schedule. Having a list of fun predetermined alternative activities and including small breaks throughout your planned night may be helpful for your child. Some alternative activities can include small gatherings, movie night at home with special treats, a family game night, or a trip to the library.

As a parent, community member, teacher or friend, recognizing signs of distress and respecting a child’s boundaries can make all the difference, he said. Community members can help create a positive experience for those with ASD by offering a sensory-friendly environment—keeping lights and sounds low and choosing simple, neutral-toned decorations. Small acts of understanding such as using clear communication and allowing extra time for transitions can go a long way in helping children feel safe and supported.

“These adjustments don’t just make the evening better for children with ASD,” Arevalo said. “They can create a more comfortable, welcoming experience for everyone.”