Dec 14, 2023, WIFR, Rockford, IL: Creating a sensory-friendly holiday for children with autism https://www.wifr.com/2023/12/15/creating-sensory-friendly-holiday-children-with-autism/
For children with autism, the holidays can cause sensory overload. Sensory events look to minimize that risk.
Bright lights, loud sounds and long lines to meet the jolly man in red can cause high anxiety for kids with autism. Events like Sensory Santa adhere to the specific requests of families looking to make each holiday with their child count. Easterseals Program Manager Lori Davie says these events make sure every child feels included during the holidays….
Exploring different options for a child with autism is the best way to celebrate the holidays without overexposure. Caravel Autism Health clinic director Katie Check says it is important to be aware of the specific things that each child does not tolerate and make accommodations as necessary. When going to holiday events, she says its essential to make the hosts aware of any necessary changes….
Despite many local groups throwing their own Sensory Santa events, the opportunities are often limited for many stateline families. Davie says people used to rely on the malls for a safe visit to Santa, but that hasn’t been an option for some time….
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