We’re excited to share that Pamela Travis, Executive Director of Living and Learning Enrichment Center, recently offered her expertise in The Oakland Press about creating joyful holiday experiences for neurodiverse families.
In her thoughtful guest column, Pamela addresses how the holiday season – with its bright lights, festive music, and busy gatherings – can present unique challenges for neurodiverse individuals and their families. She shares practical wisdom gained from years of experience supporting our community.
“It takes compromise, candid conversations, and preparation, but holiday cheer and neurodivergence can easily coexist,” Pamela explains in the article. She outlines several practical strategies families can use to make the season more enjoyable for everyone, including:
- Creating calm spaces during gatherings where individuals can take breaks
- Preparing comfort items that help with self-regulation
- Involving neurodiverse family members in holiday planning decisions
- Sharing schedules in advance to reduce anxiety about upcoming events
We invite you to read Pamela’s complete article in The Oakland Press to learn more about navigating the holiday season with neurodiverse loved ones. Her insights remind us that with understanding and preparation, we can create celebrations that welcome and include everyone.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive holiday season for all families in our community.