By Julia Train
For the past eight years, Lisa DeMario has collected Halloween decorations to transform her home into a haunted house for her autistic son, Jason.
Lisa knew that his special needs made it difficult for him to fit in. To help him with that, she decided to create something where he could be included.
At first, Lisa would throw Halloween parties for Jason and his classmates, who all had various special needs. But as their collection of spooky decorations and animatronics grew, so did the number of guests.
What started as an intimate gathering in their basement evolved into a public event that takes over a majority of their house, drawing families from the community, especially those with children who have disabilities.
Lisa thought she should give Jason an experience where he felt like he had a job. So, she came up with a haunted tour.
Jason greets visitors at the door, walks them through and tells them about the history of the animatronics and how he and his mom come up with the themes.
“It’s good for him. [It] makes him feel responsible,” said Lisa.
The neighborhood kids even started getting involved because they wanted to help build the animatronics and be a part of it. Now they participate by jumping out of corners to scare visitors and giving tours when Jason’s busy with other people.
Every year, Lisa and Jason set a new theme for their Halloween display. This year’s is New Orleans, complete with a Mardi Gras section in the basement, a toy and candy section, a circus and a winter wonderland inside. Outside, there’s a graveyard, a pumpkin patch and even a swamp.
Last year, the theme was a nostalgic 1950s café, where guests wore poodle skirts and leather jackets.
The decorating process
On Nov. 1, Lisa and Jason take a break, but after Christmas, they start rearranging the animatronics and dressing them up for the following year.
The basement’s decorations stay up all year and the garage is finished by spring. By July, Lisa and Jason start decorating outside. They save the dining and living rooms for last; they are complete at the beginning of September.
Although Lisa tries to recycle most of the animatronics and change them around each year, she does wind up having to buy some new ones. She said it’s expensive, but she’d be spending the same amount each year if Jason were on a sports team.
“It’s the same amount, but it just looks different because they’re objects,” Lisa said.
Lisa explained how Jason’s sensory sensitivities have shaped their approach to creating an accessible experience.
Initially, the animatronics were turned off during their parties due to the noise, which could be overwhelming for the children attending. Over the years, however, Jason has adjusted to the sounds, allowing for a more immersive experience.
“This year was our first year going to horror conventions and animatronic conventions where he’s adjusted to the noise,” Lisa said.
To ensure the display remains enjoyable for all, particularly those with similar sensitivities, Lisa has adapted the lights and sounds. The display is shown during the daylight to minimize the impact of flashing lights, providing a welcoming environment for families to explore.
It costs an optional fee of $3 for guests to walk through the display, a decision made by Jason himself. The funds collected are used to enhance their collection or to go on trips to see other animatronics, fostering Jason’s passion for these festive figures.
“He wanted to put a price on it because he wants more animatronics. It’s more like a donation; anyone can come, but he feels like if he’s working, he needs to make some money,” said Lisa, laughing.
Lisa and Jason’s Halloween tradition is not just about decorations and themes; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel included.
By designing a sensory-friendly experience, they invite families with children who have disabilities to enjoy Halloween without the typical overwhelming stimuli often found in seasonal attractions.
“I think this is a good example of trying to, as a parent, bond with your child with the things that they love, even though at times you may not understand them,” Lisa said.
Those interested in checking out Jason and Lisa’s haunted house can venture over to 400 Elder St. in Northfield 1-5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
