An overwhelming number of people, lights and sounds are triggers that can overload an autistic person’s senses, causing anxiety and distress. In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, more than ever, those are very difficult to avoid.

To raise awareness about those difficulties encountered by the autistic community and help make Christmas more inclusive, the National Autism Charity (AsIAm) has launched the #Alliscalm campaign yesterday.

It is calling for businesses and individuals to host autism-friendly coffee mornings to raise funds for AsIAm while also encouraging people to take a moment of calm and slow down amidst the buzzing streets of the festive season.

The CEO of AsIAm Adam Harris explains: “This year, we want to raise awareness of the difficulties that autistic people can face at Christmas, by reminding people and businesses around the country to be more aware and help provide safe spaces for them.”

AsIAm have also recruited a selection of Ireland’s leading artists and illustrators to design unique All is Calm Christmas baubles. One of them was designed by award winning author and illustrator Aoife Dooley who is autistic, will be hung on a Christmas tree at Áras an Uachtaráin.

Speaking about it, Dooley says: “As someone on the spectrum, I’m excited to be part of this important initiative. The Christmas rush can be stressful for a lot of people, but even more so for those with sensory issues. With #AllisCalm, we have an opportunity to create a level playing field so that holidays like Christmas can be enjoyed by everyone.It is a real honour that the bauble I designed to support the campaign will hang on a Christmas tree at the Áras.”

The campaign was created and is being managed by Core. If you would like to host a coffee morning or find out more about the campaign, please visit: https://asiam.ie/alliscalm/

If you wish to donate to AslAm you can also donate here.