(UK) Derry, NI: Mayor plans b-day party for children with autism

Oct 12, 2024, Derry Daily: Mayor to throw special birthday party for children with autism and complex needs

https://www.derrydaily.net/2024/10/12/mayor-to-throw-special-birthday-party-for-children-with-autism-and-complex-needs/ 

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, has extended an open invitation to children in the Council area with autism and complex needs to join her for a special birthday party.

The Mayor’s Inclusive Birthday Party on Sunday October 20th at the Foyle Arena aims to allow neurodivergent young people, who sometimes aren’t invited to birthday parties, to be part of the party.

Mayor Barr, whose own Brian has autism and a severe learning disability, extended an open invitation to young people aged 4 to 18 to join her for the event.

“I want to throw a massive birthday party for any young people or children who may have been excluded from birthday parties in the past because of their additional needs,” she said.

“It’s heart breaking to imagine that there are children in our community who are not invited to parties and I want to have a special event for them because everyone deserves to be part of the party. . . .

Dawn McKendry, Senior Employment Officer at Now Group and a parent of three neurodivergent young people welcomed the Mayor’s initiative.

“The Now Group are delighted to support this wonderful inclusive initiative,” she said.

“As a mother of three neurodivergent teenagers, I have personal experience of invites to birthday parties stopping due to misunderstanding of behaviours that can lead to social isolation for some children.

“Thank you to the Mayor for hosting this event that will create a safe and understanding environment for every child to be part of the party.” . . .