Halloween season has arrived and kids across the country are celebrating all the spooky festivities, from haunted houses to trick-or-treating.
But for many neurodivergent children, Halloween can be an overwhelming experience. The loud noises, bright lights, and unexpected scares can make it difficult to fully enjoy the holiday.
One man from Colorado is aiming to make the holiday a more accessible experience.
For the last four years, Kevin Holt has invited neurodivergent children from a local school to tour his haunted forest for free. It takes Kevin over a month of daily work to build, setting it up with huge animatronics and other decorations donated by the community.
Many of the students are non-verbal, and their conditions can make it challenging for them to enjoy the holiday like other children.
"It's absolutely amazing when you have somebody like Kevin in the community who steps up and gets us," one parent said. "They talk about it, they look forward to it."
Kevin's haunted forest was inspired by a farmer who carried out a free pumpkin from the farm every year while he was growing up. "It's one of the most unique, warming feelings that a guy can ever have, that truly you're giving back from your heart. Feels like somebody really does appreciate what you do, and they love you," shares Kevin.