Halloween is just around the corner, and there's an innovative way to let people know that not all trick-or-treaters are the same.

Halloween can be frightening and a challenge for children who have autism. The autism community is using blue pumpkins as a way to let the community know if a trick-or-treater may not be able to speak.

Alison Giangregorio's 18-year-old son Nicholas has autism. The Merrick mom says while there are challenges every day, it can get especially tricky during holidays like Halloween.

That's why Giangregorio was happy to hear about a move to have autistic children carry blue pumpkins when they trick or treat. It’s a way to signal a homeowner that the trick-or-treater at their door has special needs.

“I am going to have them outside my house so if there is any children in my neighborhood who are on the spectrum, they will know I am a friendly house and I will not pass judgment if the child doesn't say please or thank you or trick or treat,” she says.

Joanne Gerenser provides services for people with autism and thinks the blue pumpkin is a great idea.

“It’s hard for parents. They don't want to explain over and over, so maybe the first year they will have to explain, but after a while it will be, ‘Yup, I get it, your son has autism,’” she says.

News 12 spoke to parents who said they loved the idea of the blue pumpkin because it brings awareness to autism and allows their children to participate.

The blue pumpkins are different than the teal pumpkins used to signify a home is safe for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.