Boy with Autism Transforms Home into Haunted House with Mum’s Assistance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/halloween-haunted-house-102425-625732638c8f43a2875281e75b6a86ba.jpg)
An 11-year-old boy from New Jersey, Jason Barr, has embarked on a remarkable endeavour each Halloween season with the unwavering support of his mum, Lisa DeMario. Together, they convert their home into an intricate haunted house, a project that not only allows them to bond but also helps Jason connect with his community on a deeper level.
The duo begins this creative journey as early as November, meticulously decorating various sections of their home as they progress through the year. Starting with the basement in winter, they move on to sprucing up the living room, garage, dining room, and the exterior by spring. Dressing up a total of 60 animatronics in themed outfits each year, the house is fully transformed by August, with outdoor decorations adding the finishing touches.
Jason’s fascination with animatronics and all things spooky has been a driving force behind this yearly tradition, stemming from his early interest in Halloween dolls. Despite being on the autism spectrum, Jason’s love for animated characters has always been apparent, although excessive noise sometimes poses a challenge. Nevertheless, with a coping mechanism of retreating to his room when overwhelmed, Jason manages to enjoy his creation fully.
Five years ago, the haunted house concept materialised when Jason’s friends admired his collection of eerie items and proposed showcasing them to the neighbourhood. Recognising the potential for fun and community engagement, Lisa DeMario, Jason’s mum, eagerly supported the idea, emphasising the positive impact on Jason’s creativity and their relationship.
Their decorations are sourced from various outlets like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Spirit Halloween, with vintage animatronics being hunted down on eBay. Jason goes the extra mile by operating his own YouTube channel to exhibit his acquisitions, hinting at a potential professional pursuit involving his beloved animatronics in the future.
DeMario envisions a scenario where Jason transitions his hobby into a lucrative career by establishing a haunted arcade centred around his animatronics. She believes this would not only nurture Jason’s passion but also offer him a stable and fulfilling vocation to cherish and develop as he grows.
The current iteration of the haunted house boasts a casino, a retro arcade, a diner, and outdoor displays featuring characters from The Wizard of Oz, a circus, a graveyard, and a pumpkin patch. Every Saturday, the community is invited to partake in the spooky experience, with Jason planning to embody SpongeBob on Halloween night at a party with friends.
While the haunted house has become a beacon of entertainment for the neighbourhood, drawing admiration and joy from locals, it has also been a source of reciprocal kindness. Strengthening Jason’s social bonds and affording him experiences like attending Halloween hayrides with friends symbolises the heartwarming impact of this annual venture.
In conclusion, DeMario underscores her unwavering support for Jason’s passion, likening it to endorsing any other interest he might pursue. Through their shared enthusiasm for the haunted house project, she not only immerses herself in Jason’s world but also witnesses his growth, creativity, and the genuine joy it brings to their lives.