SPOKANE, Wash. — Halloween is a different experience for every child, from the costumes they wear to the candy they like.
For kids who may have sensory issues, it can be overwhelming. That’s where a local organization called the Isaac Foundation comes in.
For weeks, Isaac Foundation founder Holly Goodman has been planning, cutting and hanging decorations for the Isaac Foundation’s Trunk or Treat event.
This event is a chance for those on the autism spectrum or those with developmental disabilities to enjoy the holiday without any jump scares.
“It’s hard to know what to expect and how to expect it on Halloween, going door to door in a neighborhood,” Goodman said. “This is kind of a practice round of trick or treating where they can come through and experience it without any fear of jump scares or spooky music or flashing lights that might startle them.”
On Saturday, kids will have the chance to trick or treat in waves, with different levels of action to keep them comfortable. Each door will also have a different theme.
Events like these require a lot of prep work ahead of time. Goodman said the Isaac Foundation is always looking for volunteers to help with a wide range of responsibilities from working with kids to cutting out paper for decorations.
Gonzaga junior Caroline Ghisletta began volunteering for the foundation last Halloween and has stuck around ever since.
“I never would have thought that something like this could have such a big impact on these kids,” Ghisletta said.
Goodman said it’s the little things that help make our community more inclusive.
“The world is an unpredictable place, but we do have ways that we can help kids with transitions and knowing what to expect by just using our words and even pictures so they can see what to expect and how to expect it,” Goodman said.
The event is happening Saturday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can register online for this event here.
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