“I just want to be treated fairly. Isn’t that what everyone wants?”
By Jodi Glass, Director, Executive Director, Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley
Dear Friends and Families,
As both the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley and an Autism mom, I know how the holiday season can bring a mix of joy, pressure, sensory overwhelm, and social expectations. Many of us have experienced the stress of gatherings that feel too loud, too bright, or simply too demanding for our families. And many of us also know what it feels like when invitations become fewer, or when holiday traditions just do not fit our children’s needs.
I remember years when we would get dressed up for holiday parties, hoping for cheerful memories, only to realize our son was struggling and on the edge of sensory overload. Meltdowns felt inevitable, and the joy we hoped for was replaced with stress. Over time, I learned something important. We do not need to create the holidays we see on social media. We only need to create the holiday that is right for our own family. If your perfect holiday means staying home in pajamas, watching a favorite movie on repeat, and sipping hot chocolate, that is completely okay. Those peaceful, simple moments often become the memories that matter most.
And to our Autistic adults who are still discovering what supports you best during the holidays, please know this. Your boundaries are valid. Autistic burnout is real. As my son grows older, I have learned to honor his choices for self-preservation, and those lessons apply to adults just as deeply. Respecting your needs is healthy, and the holidays should never require you to push beyond what feels safe or comfortable.
It has already been a very busy December at the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, and we are grateful for every moment of connection and celebration. We welcomed 88 Autistic individuals and their families to our annual Sensory Friendly Santa event at the Eastwood Mall, and thanks to the support of the Cafaro Foundation, each family received a free Santa photo. Through the generosity of the Mike Hull Memorial Foundation, mini grants were awarded to 34 deserving families at a party at Austintown Park. Our Teen and Young Adult Social Connections Group held a holiday party and gift exchange at Coaches Burger Bar in Austintown, and thanks to Regal Cinemas South, we filled a theater with our families for a free sensory-friendly showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas featuring Jim Carrey. Across our support groups, the Moms Night Out gathering, and the many calls coming in for guidance this month have shown how meaningful our work is and how strong our local Autism community continues to be.
We also invite you to visit our decorated Christmas tree inside the Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek Park. The tree features ornaments handmade by our Social Connections Group, along with beautiful new custom ornaments displaying the Autism Society logo. It is a wonderful way to see our community’s creativity on display.
As we come close to the end of the year, I encourage you to think about the programs we offer and the impact they have on our local Autism community. Sustaining our programs depends on financial support from families, partners, and community members who believe in our mission. Your year-end giving helps ensure that we can continue providing resources, events, support groups, and opportunities that make a real difference for individuals and families across the Mahoning Valley.
I am excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to share all that is in store.
From my family to yours, may you experience the blessings of the season in the ways that feel right, gentle, and joyful for you.
Warmly,