'Quiet Christmas' scope extended
Sat, November 11, 2017
'Quiet Christmas' is a new pilot initiative introduced by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for Christmas 2017.
It has been developed to meet Council's obligation under Section 75 for inclusivity and a call from a specific community group to support the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Following professional advice it is understood that children and adults with ASD see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. Attending outdoor events at which excessive noise and crowds are part of the entertainment, is challenging and moreover unrealistic for families that include children and adults with ASD.
'Quiet Christmas' 2017 is therefore a pilot initiative specifically designed for children with ASD and has been created with their needs at the fore.
However, greater than anticipated interest has come from parents of children with needs other than ASD. Council will therefore extend the scope of the Quiet Christmas initiative and endeavour to accommodate as many of the interested families as possible, albeit within the available programme for Quiet Christmas.
Upon evaluation of this year's pilot scheme, Council will consider the development of the programme for subsequent years.