On a beautiful fall evening, something special happened in our community. Over 100 families gathered for The Help Group’s first-ever Kids Like Me Trunk or Treat—a celebration designed to ensure that every child, regardless of their sensory needs or neurodiversity, could experience the joy and magic of Halloween.

Why We Created This Event

For many neurodiverse children and young adults, traditional Halloween celebrations can present significant challenges. Overwhelming crowds, unpredictable loud noises, flashing lights, and the social demands of trick-or-treating door-to-door can transform what should be a fun holiday into a source of anxiety and stress. We knew there had to be a way to preserve the excitement and wonder of Halloween while creating an environment where every child could feel safe, comfortable, and included.

“We wanted to create a space where families didn’t have to worry about meltdowns, sensory overload, or feeling judged,” says Fatima Gutierrez, Manager of Social Recreation Programs at The Help Group. “This event was designed from the ground up with neurodiversity in mind, but we also knew how important it was to open it to the entire community. Inclusion goes both ways. It’s about creating opportunities for all children to celebrate together.”

A Community Coming Together

That vision of inclusion became a beautiful reality. The event welcomed families from The Help Group’s schools, our Kids Like Me after-school enrichment and summer camp programs, and neighborhood schools. Children of all abilities laughed, played, and collected treats together, proving that when we design with accessibility in mind, everyone benefits.

One parent captured the heart of why events like this matter: “My son doesn’t like loud noises or big crowds. Most Halloween events are just too much for him, and we usually end up leaving early or skipping them altogether. This was a perfect space for him to feel comfortable and experience the fun of Halloween. Seeing him so engaged and excited, it just made us so happy.”

The Magic in the Details

More than 20 dedicated volunteers brought creativity and warmth to the event, decorating their car trunks with imaginative themes and distributing candy with smiles and patience. The controlled environment allowed children to move at their own pace, take breaks in the sensory room when needed, and engage in a way that felt right for them. There was no time pressure, no overwhelming stimulation, just pure, accessible fun.

Thank You