LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — "Trick or treat" is a phrase we'll hear a lot on Thursday and it's the key to a bucket full of candy.
Four-year-old Julian Villafuerte was diagnosed with autism last year. His mother says he only started speaking in the last year. His limited vocabulary doesn't include "trick or treat" yet, which can make Halloween night difficult.
"They expect him to speak when he doesn't," says Julian's mom Iliana. "It's a little bit of a heartbreak for him and for me too."
Iliana says the silence often turns into several uncomfortable conversations.
"Pretty much all night I'm explaining... no, he can't speak. I know he looks old enough, but he can't speak," Iliana said.
In an effort to make Julian's Halloween a bit easier, his teacher sent a note home that reads: "Trick or treat! I may not speak, but thank you for the yummy sweets."
Julian's mom was so excited about the idea, she shared it on social media.
"I was like oh my God! I was so happy. I thought other parents can use it too," Iliana added.
Julian will sport the note on his new dog costume on Halloween night. His mom says he'll sport some new found confidence, too.
"I really, really want him to enjoy it, go out to be with the kids, to have a basket full of candy... even if I don't let him eat it. I want him to enjoy himself, to feel included," Iliana said.
