The treats will come in all shapes and sizes this Saturday.
During Autism Community Connection’s inaugural Trunk or Treat event, costumed children will bound from trunk to trunk, reveling in the candy and trinkets they receive in celebration of Halloween.
But at the same time, their parents can get a surprise of their own — valuable resources and information about the best ways to help their child with autism.
“A lot of the resource fairs that are usually held around the area have not been back since the start of the pandemic. So it’s been hard to get their information out to the families,” said Kelli Higgins, executive director of Autism Community Connection. “What’s unique about this is that our vendors are doing the trunk or treat, so they’re able to speak to families about what they have.”
Trunk or Treat is an opportunity for local families to connect with organizations and businesses serving children with autism, while enjoying a day of fall-themed fun at the same time. All families, particularly those families and individuals impacted by autism, are invited to New Hope Church in Greenwood from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Though this is the first year for the event, Autism Community Connection already has signed up more than 25 vendors and groups that are eager to participate.
“Those groups will have the trunks, which will be decorated for Halloween. But they’ll also have autism resources and information about the services to hand out to families coming to the events,” Higgins said.
Autism Community Connection is a nonprofit that serves individuals with autism and their families by linking them to community resources, social events and special programs to help navigate their autism journey. The organization was born in 2005, when a group of Center Grove-area parents whose children were diagnosed with autism banded together to help one another and others. Known as the Johnson County Autism Support Group, they gained visibility through community events, fundraising walks and other programs.
But as the organization grew, they realized they could expand their services beyond just Johnson County. In 2019, the board decided to change its name to Autism Community Connection. That same year, they created one of their core programs aimed at those with autism.
The Young Adult Connection brings together individuals in small groups to socialize. Research has shown that young adults with autism who have a core group of friends are more successful and have a better overall quality of life.
Other activities include the summer enrichment program My Summer Journey, and Autism on the Go, an experience that brings individuals into situations such as businesses, doctors offices and hair salons, to give them a sense of what those places are like in a controlled, safe environment.
Many families within the central Indiana area know about Autism Community Connection, and take advantage of its services, Higgins said. But organizers want to reach an even greater number, particularly in light of the pandemic.
That inspired the creation of Trunk or Treat.
“It’s been really difficult this year and last year planning family events, and even some of our programming,” Higgins said. “Everyone loves trunk or treat — kids love it, parents love it, it’s a good community gathering point. And it’s outside.”
During the morning on Saturday, families can learn more about local autism centers, case management agencies such as the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services, and area nonprofit groups that specialize in autism will be present.
Greenwood Public Library, which offers a variety of resources dealing with autism, will have a booth. Unlocking the Spectrum, an autism center with Indiana locations in Indianapolis, Bloomington, Seymour and Terre Haute, is the presenting sponsor. The organization is setting up a sensory area for children, where they can play with tactile items for kids with sensory issues.
Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration at the Indianapolis International Airport are scheduled to be part of the event, helping show off equipment such as wands and scanners they use when people go through checkpoints at the airport.
“That way, when families go to the airport, it’s not scary for children or individuals with autism,” Higgins said.
Trunk or Treat is free for all participating families, and will be held regardless of weather. In it rains, the event will move from the New Hope Church parking lot into its gymnasium, she said.
IF YOU GO
Trunk or Treat
What: A community event featuring more than 25 vendors passing out candy in addition to information about local resources for individuals and families with autism.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday
Where: New Hope Church, 5307 Fairview Road, Greenwood
Cost: Free
Information: autismcc-in.org/trunk-or-treat-2021
