Local parent asks council to back Sensory Circle, a new support group for families raising autistic children

Ashley Newland, who identified herself at the podium as a parent and founder of Sensory Circle, told the council she started the group to support families raising autistic children and asked for help securing a consistent meeting space and partnerships with local organizations. “Sensory Circle is changing that,” Newland said, describing the group as a place for families to connect and for children with sensory needs to feel accepted.

Councilors asked for contact information and offered to distribute her handout to other council members; Mayor and other councilors said they would note the April 15 library meet-and-greet and connect Newland with volunteers and city resources. The mayor asked Ms. Newland to provide a contact card for the clerk so council could follow up, and Councilor Lowe offered to collect printed information.