Unifying Autism: Sensory-sensitive events for children on the spectrum
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 71 children in Arizona are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
These children oftentimes face challenges when socializing and communicating.
When a child is diagnosed with autism, it not only affects the child but also their family; especially when it comes to going out to public places and partaking in family activities such as going to the movies or an event.
When the Littlewood Fine Art & Community Co-op realized there wasn’t a centralized space in Yuma providing resources for autism needs, they decided to launch a program called Unifying Autism.
The program gives children on the spectrum a safe space to express their creativity.
Littlewood teamed up with Yuma Regional Medical Center ( YRMC ), with funding from the Howard V. Moore Foundation, to host what they call sensory sensitive activities for families with children on the spectrum.
YRMC defines sensory-friendly activities as activities that are not overly stimulating.
Isaac Russell, co-owner of Littlewood Fine Art & Community Co-op, further explained a sensory-sensitive environment as, ” No background noise. Dimmer lights. Less sharp contrast of colors. Guided instructions working with those they are comfortable with. One of the guiding principles of the co-op is that art and positive self-expression particularly in a young child’s development are extremely important. ”
Russell said many of the co-op’s board members are parents of children who have autism.
They believe most schools don’t have the resources that meet the special needs of their children.
Unifying Autism will serve as a network for those families.
The program will hold its first event on November 8 at 5:30 pm at the Littlewood Fine Art & Community Co-op located at 176 S Main Street.
The event will also serve as a roundtable discussion where the families can express where the community is lacking in support for people on the spectrum.
Please, RSVP for the event by November 6 by calling 928-336-2445 or emailing foundationemail @yumaregional.org.
