By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Marlborough – For most children, trick or treating on Halloween is a magical, much anticipated time as they put on their costumes and traipse up to homes, receiving sugary sweets. But for a child with special needs, it can be quite overwhelming.
In response, Solomon Pond Mall offers times for children to enjoy holiday fun by providing a subdued and welcoming environment. On Halloween morning, approximately 20 students from the Crossroads School in Marlborough came to the mall for a special outing geared just for them.
Steps were taken to reduce sensory triggers such as turning off the music in the mall, turning down the bright lights and just as importantly, hosting the event prior to the lunchtime shopping rush.
The mall hosted some activities for the kids before they set off trick or treating at various stores.
Cameron Lucy is a representative from Crossroads.
“We wanted to get the kids out in the community and meet some of our neighbors,” she said. “It was amazing.”
Crossroads School is a private, nonprofit day school that specializes in all areas of academics for children ages 3 to 22 who are on the autism spectrum. It is new to Marlborough having recently relocated from Natick.