NEWPORT, Tenn. — On Halloween celebrating the day with a party and maybe a jump scare isn't unusual, but for some East Tennesseans it can be overwhelming.
The Cocke County Autism Association continued its efforts to give kids on the spectrum an opportunity to celebrate. The Sensory Trunk-or-Treat even in Newport celebrated the spookiest day of the year with austic youth in mind.
Brittany James, the founder of CCAA, said the event was more than a want – it was a need.
"I've had several family members come up to me, even friends would come up to me, and say that they cannot take their kids out trick-or-treating because it's too scary for them. Things jump out, the flashing lights and everything. Kids with sensory disorders cannot be around that," James said.
James has both an autistic biological child and an autistic step-child. She said helping them navigate a world that often misunderstands them made her an advocate.
Rob Kearney, another event organizer, said he had a similar experience.
"I was a police officer. I worked a lot with special needs kids and adults, and it takes a special understanding to deal effectively with folks with special needs," he said.
The event did not play loud music. There weren't any jump scares, but there was a jumping castle.
The organizers said everyone was welcome, but focusing on autistic youth created a safe space where any overwhelming experiences could be handled communally.
Alicia Payne said it's what her son Colton needed.
"This puts awareness out there to everyone else that he has a diagnosis like so many others, but at the end of the day they just need that little bit of extra assistance, a little bit of extra attention and love," she said.
The event was held at the Cocke County Fairground, which has been the hub for Helene relief efforts.
The organizers said this event almost didn't happen, but now that it has, they're already planning another event for Christmas.