11-Year-Old Boy with Autism Spends Nearly a Year Turning His Home into a Haunted House — with the Loving Help of His Mom
Every October, while most kids are still picking out costumes, 11-year-old Jason Barr is already putting the finishing touches on something extraordinary — a full-fledged haunted house he’s spent nearly a year building with his mom. For Jason, who has autism, this isn’t just a Halloween project. It’s a labor of love, a form of creative expression, and a bridge connecting him to the people around him.
Jason and his mom, Lisa DeMario, live in New Jersey, and for them, spooky season doesn’t last a few weeks — it lasts all year. As soon as the decorations come down after Halloween, they start planning for the next one. By November, Jason already has sketches, ideas, and color palettes in mind for what he wants to build next. “He has a vision,” Lisa shared in her interview with People. “He’ll start by saying, ‘Next year, we’re going to make it even better,’ and he really means it.”
Over time, their home has transformed into a Halloween wonderland — complete with handmade props, eerie lighting, and creative animatronics that Jason proudly designs himself. Each room is filled with something unique: a giant blue creature that Jason built from scratch, a creepy clown popping out of a jack-in-the-box, and walls covered in spooky textures that rival professional haunted attractions. But behind the spooky scenes lies something far more heartwarming — the story of a mother and son who have found joy, bonding, and purpose through creativity.
Lisa says the project started as a way to make Halloween special for Jason, who has always been drawn to the colors, lights, and sounds of the season. What began as a few homemade decorations in the living room has now grown into a year-round family tradition. “It’s become our thing,” she said. “Something that’s not just about Halloween, but about connection — about giving Jason a place to express himself freely.”
Through the haunted house project, Jason has discovered new confidence. Lisa notes that her son’s involvement has gone far beyond crafting props — it’s helped him connect with others, from neighbors to classmates. “He’s made friends because of this,” she shared. “Kids in the neighborhood come by to help him paint or to see what he’s building. It’s been amazing to watch.”
The family’s haunted house has become somewhat of a local legend in their community. Each year, more people show up to walk through it, marveling at Jason’s imagination and the level of detail he puts into every corner. But for Lisa, the best part isn’t the praise or the turnout — it’s watching her son light up with pride when visitors tell him how incredible it all looks.
As for Jason, Halloween isn’t about fear — it’s about fun and creativity. “He’s not scared by any of it,” Lisa laughed. “He’s fascinated by it. He loves seeing people smile when they walk through. That’s what it’s all about for him.”
The process of building the haunted house also provides valuable structure and focus for Jason, something his mom says helps him thrive. “It gives him something to work toward, something that’s entirely his,” she explained. “And when he finishes, the sense of accomplishment is huge. He’ll walk around the house saying, ‘Look what I made!’ and that’s when I know this is so much more than a hobby.”
What started as a small family activity has now turned into a yearly passion project that has captured hearts both locally and online. Lisa hopes their story inspires other parents of children with autism to embrace their child’s interests and creativity — even if it’s unconventional. “You never know what can come from following their lead,” she said. “For us, it turned into something magical.”
As Halloween approaches once again, Jason is already thinking ahead. His next idea? Expanding the haunted house theme into the backyard — complete with glowing pathways, new handmade characters, and perhaps even a few surprises. For this young creator, the season of spooky joy never really ends.
