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Waco man hosts Halloween event for those with autism, sensory sensitivity

A Waco man is making it his mission to create an inclusive Halloween experience for everyone.

WACO, Texas — A Waco man is making it his mission to make sure everyone can celebrate Halloween, including those with autism or who have sensory sensitivity. The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 2519 N 21st in Waco.

Gary Combs, the man behind the event, saw something that his community was lacking.

"There's just not enough that goes on for the sensory and autism community," Combs told 6 News. "You know, they're not really left out, but they just, they don't have enough specifically for them and I think it's important."

Combs has two grandsons that have cochlear implants and he noticed loud noises bother them.

"I just thought with other people that I know that have children with sensory issues, it would be a good thing to give them a night where they could come out and enjoy it without all the bright lights and loud noises," Combs said.

Combs has always loved Halloween and for the past ten years he's decorated his front yard so his community can enjoy the frights. But this year, he is going the extra mile to make his haunted yard more accommodating.

"There will be no flashing lights but pretty much everything you see here will be going and the lights will be low," Combs said. "You know, I won't have the fog going because of the, you know, smells, just mainly so they can enjoy it without all the loud noises and bright flashing lights."

Combs encourages everyone to dress up and hopes the event will be a way for all children to experience Halloween.

"It would be a good thing to give them a night where they could come out and enjoy it," Combs continued. "[Seeing the] joy on their faces, just them enjoying it."

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