Latest news with #Lily
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- General
- Yahoo
What it's like to live with sensory sensitivities
When Roger and Carrie take their family out for a fun evening, they always know the location of the closest exit. But it's not for the reason you might think. Their 13-year-old daughter Lily has autism and sensory processing disorder. This means her brain processes senses differently and some senses become overwhelming. Deseret News has agreed not to use the family's last name to protect the teen's privacy. Growing up, Lily was sensitive to taste, texture, sound and smell, which would affect the food she'd eat, the clothes she'd wear and the places she could go. According to her mom, Lily would 'know the smells I did not even know existed.' 'Helping Lily to feel safe has become a family project,' Carrie said. One in 36 children in the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder, which 'equates to about 25,000 children in Utah,' according to Intermountain Health. Sensory sensitivities are common in children with autism. A 2022 paper by University of Utah's Huntsman Mental Health Institute found that 74% of children with autism are affected by sensory sensitivity. That equates to 18,500 children in Utah based on the previous estimate. Sensory sensitivities can vary and are not associated with an individual's IQ, Dr. Deborah Bilder, one of the researchers for the paper, emphasized to the Deseret News. 'It's just a different way of experiencing aspects of the senses. It's not abnormal. It's not bad. It's not impaired. It's just different,' Bilder said. Some individuals are sensory avoiders, meaning it's harder for them to ignore sensory intake, according to Autism Speaks. This is called hypersensitivity. Someone who experiences hypersensitivity with bright lights, including the sun, could choose to wear sunglasses or a hat to help avoid a sensory overload. There is also hyposensitivity, which means individuals seek out sensory intake. That could look like someone spinning and needing to move. Per Autism Speaks, experiencing both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity is common. 'It's really about finding that right balance for that person to be able to experience what they want to or need to experience,' Bilder said. On a family trip to Yellowstone National Park a few years ago, Lily's family was creative in how they helped her handle her sensitivity to smell. To help cover up the smells of Yellowstone, including the sulfuric fumes from the thermal pools, Lily's parents put Vicks VapoRub under her nose. Though VapoRub has its own strong scent, it's a familiar smell for Lily and would be more comforting than the strange smells of the park. The mask she was wearing due to the COVID-19 pandemic also helped, Lily said. In that moment, she said she was thinking, 'OK, I don't want to smell it. I don't want to fall off. Don't run. Don't push me. I just need to be on the path.' VapoRub is just one of the many ways Lily's parents, Carrie and Roger, have had to think outside the box to make the world a more sensory-friendly place for their daughter. Carrie keeps items such as Lily's favorite scented chapsticks, headphones and fidget tools in her purse. Taylor Swift's music has also been a helpful tool for Lily on hard days. 'Taylor Swift helps me get through it,' Lily said. Carrie added, 'Taylor's really doing more than she knows for our family.' When they go out, Carrie and Roger take separate vehicles and leave at different times. Carrie joked that that might make some people question the state of their marriage. 'Lots of times, we end up missing half of whatever we're going to because one of us will leave with her if it becomes too overwhelming,' Roger said. Carrie added, 'There are also family activities that we divide up for because we just know this will not be successful, but we have other kids that need experiences and need time together.' When Lily was younger, free early intervention and occupational therapy were helpful resources for the family as Lily was introduced to new exposures in positive and safe environments. But it's been difficult to find activities and events that are sensory inclusive for Lily and the rest of the family, Carrie said. 'I think that the sensory-friendly spaces exist. I don't think that a lot of people know about them, where they are,' she said. 'The challenge for me is that I don't know what exists, and I feel like we just kind of go it alone, you know? And sometimes we take a chance and we hope for the best, and other times, we just kind of say, 'I think we pass on that experience. I don't think it's gonna work out.'' Sporting events and plays heavily incorporate bright lights and loud sounds to create fun and engaging atmospheres. But those features could make it impossible for someone with sensory sensitivities to enjoy their experience. Multiple organizations are trying to create sensory-friendly events and spaces to make Utah more sensory inclusive for individuals like Lily and her family. Utah Valley University's Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism is one of those organizations. With partners in the community, the center organizes autism and sensory-friendly events throughout the year such as Quiet Santa and Moving Mountains soccer camp. They also collaborate with the Timpanogos Symphony and Orchestra every year for a special performance that leaves the lights on in the auditorium. UVU's Noorda Center also offers sensory-friendly performances for most of its children's plays. For communities to create more sensory-friendly events like these, Laurie Bowen, the director of the Melisa Nellesen Center, believes individuals with autism should be included in the planning process from the beginning. These events can be a great opportunity for families with children who have autism, but Carrie said, 'That exists only if you know about it, and if you're available on this certain day.' Bowen recognizes that and acknowledges that as a university, the center 'can't do all of it.' 'Our goal really is to make a community of belonging, and with that is arming other people with information so that they can also become part of that group that is addressing and assisting,' she said. One of the organizations that has stepped up to make more spaces and events sensory inclusive — including some that may have seemed impossible for someone who is hypersensitive to attend — is the nonprofit KultureCity. Husband and wife duo Dr. Julian Maha and Dr. Michele Kong founded KultureCity in 2014. A few years prior, Maha and Kong had taken their neurodivergent sons to a local museum in Birmingham, Alabama, when one of their sons experienced a sensory overload. They were asked to leave after their son started engaging in stimming behaviors to regulate his senses. Stimming behaviors are characterized by repetitive noises, movements and habits. That experience stopped Maha and Kong from daring to try new public experiences with their sons for years, KultureCity's Meg Raby Kinghoffer told the Deseret News. When one of their sons pointed out they never went anywhere, Maha and Kong organized a sensory-friendly night with the Birmingham Zoo. Their sensory inclusive vision grew from there and led to the creation of KultureCity. Utah has over 20 certified KultureCity venues with sensory rooms and/or sensory bags. A map of and information for each of the venues can be found on the KultureCity website and app. These venues include the Delta Center, the Clark Planetarium, the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, schools, stores, libraries and even police departments. The Salt Lake City Police Department was the first police agency in the U.S. to be certified in KultureCity's sensory inclusive training, according to Kinghoffer. SLCPD officers now carry sensory bags in their patrol cars to assist individuals who may be experiencing sensory overwhelm. In those sensory bags, you'll find fidget tools, headphones to dull the loud sounds of their environment as well as a visual communications card and feelings thermometer for when an individual may be unable to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Those items can be found in every KultureCity sensory bag. With KultureCity, Kinghoffer travels across the country for the nonprofit's activations and pop-ups, including the opening of the Salt Lake City International Airport's first of three sensory rooms in March and the NCAA women's basketball Final Four in Tampa, Florida, in April. In Tampa, not only was it special to see children benefit from the sensory bags and room, but Kinghoffer said it was 'really a beautiful thing when you see adults stepping up to request for the accommodations that they need, and seeing them just really kind of, in a sense, being seen and known in a public experience like that.' Businesses looking to become more sensory inclusive can reach out to KultureCity or the Melisa Nellesen Center for guidance. Bowen said the center exists to support autism and teach others how to as well. 'The whole reason we're here is to assist families and individuals with autism to get their needs met,' she said. Becoming sensory inclusive 'doesn't take much' and 'the impact is huge,' Kinghoffer said. The decision to do so will open the world up to more people with sensory sensitivities, like Lily. 'If people are not in this world, there's somebody you don't even think about. Something like a Jazz game is super amazing, and it's a little smelly — depending on who you're sitting next to — and (has) bright things. It doesn't have to be. There are ways to kind of change environments to make them more accessible, if we think about it, if we're aware,' Carrie said.
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Farewell to a friend and colleague
She'll take the high road for a bit, and we'll take the low road. But we'll be together again, and our love will get us through to that day. That's a paraphrasing of words written by former Allied Press journalist, Louise Scott-Gallagher, 44, who died at home surrounded by family in Queenstown on May 20. Speaking at Louise's funeral service at the Queenstown Polo Ground on Sunday, friend Sarah Taylor recounted how Louise had comforted her with those words after the death of Sarah's mother. Now they offer comfort to her former colleagues at the Mountain Scene and Otago Daily Times. They will also comfort the many Queenstowners who were touched by Louise's warmth, empathy and sense of fun — and her lilting Northern Irish accent — as she went about her work as a reporter here between 2014 and 2018. Although she took up the regions editor role with the ODT in Dunedin, she continued to spend much of her time in the resort. That was because by then she was sharing a home with her future husband, Craig Gallagher — they'd met in 2017 when she interviewed him in his capacity as co-organiser of charity boxing event Thriller in the Chiller. The girl from Gillygooley, County Tyrone, had found her forever home in Queenstown with her dream man. However, in 2023, their lives were turned upside down. After finding a lump on her breast while 11 weeks' pregnant with their daughter, Lily, Louise was diagnosed with cancer. Despite an immediate mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy, she was told last April the tumours in her body had grown and multiplied. Her overriding wish became to live long enough for Lily to remember her. She did not want her tragic family history to repeat. Her mother, Anne, had died from breast cancer at 34 — leaving four young children behind — when Louise was 3 years old. Louise and Craig began planning a wedding for later this year, but after learning three weeks ago that her treatment wasn't working, they brought those plans forward. They were married at home, in front of family and close friends, last Monday. Louise passed away peacefully the next day. At Sunday's celebration of Louise's life, friend Josie Spillane described her as the "best mum on the planet" and a woman who lived for her family and friends. A lover of parties and banter, she was a "singer, always the first on the dance floor, and often the last one home". A collector of friends around the world, her exceptional empathy meant she was the first to provide comfort and care at times of need. A prolific cook, she was a "feeder — that's how she showed love". The doting aunt of eight also showered affection on the children of friends and colleagues. Spillane recounted what Louise had written about her predicament a year ago. "I promise I'm going to confront this head-on, but while I'm doing that, I'm going to make every second count with Craig and Lily. "I live in hope, and genuinely believe a positive attitude and outlook can help, but most of all, I live every day surrounded by love and surrounded by my friends and extended families at home and our Kiwi families here in New Zealand. "They give us so much support, and I thank you for everyone."
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young and the Restless Spoilers June 2: How To Impress Your Grandparents
The Young and the Restless spoilers for Monday, June 2, kick off a new month with Claire and Kyle convinced they can impress Victor and Nikki enough to make Grandpa agree with Grandma and welcome their coupling with open arms. Victor (Eric Braeden) hates Kyle (Michael Mealor). He doesn't think Kyle is good enough for Victor's granddaughter. Claire (Hayley Erin). For some reason, Kyle was good enough for Summer. Victor made it clear to Claire that he would never, ever accept Kyle, no matter what. What Claire heard, however, was 'Make some kind of big, dramatic, loving gesture for your Grandma Nikki's (Melody Thomas Scott) celebration, and I will embrace both you and that Abbott boy with open arms, because I am famous for changing my mind and admitting I was wrong. It is totally my favorite thing to do!' And what Kyle heard was, 'Blah, blah, blah, Peanuts parent voice, Kyle, party, do.' So he and Claire are determined to blow Victor and Nikki away. READ THIS: Here's why Michael will break his promise to Lauren on Y&R. Everybody wants to meet Dumas. Phyllis (Michelle Stafford) thinks she can shriek her way into it. Lily (Christel Khalil) is taking a more low-key approach. She has something to offer the mystery man, and she thinks that's worth meeting her in person. Even if she has to trick him into it. Damian (Jermaine Rivers) knows something about Dumas. But we still don't know what to think about Amy's (Valarie Pettiford) son. So we're not sure what to think about him asking Audra (Zuleyka Silver) for a favor. Audra's connected to Holden (Nate Owens). Damian is connected to Holden. Is Audra supposed to be a go-between? Does she even know what she's going between at this point? We sure don't.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Frantic search for two missing schoolgirls, 14 and 15, who both vanished from UK train station
AN URGENT search has been launched to find two missing schoolgirls who disappeared at a train station. Lily, 15, and Poppy, 14, vanished together at around 6.30pm yesterday evening. They teenagers were last seen at Cardiff Central train station. Cops believe the pair are still together, and are in the Cardiff area. A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "Lilly, 15 (left), and Poppy, 14, have been reported missing. Both last seen yesterday evening about 6.30pm at Cardiff Central railway station. "We believe they're still together in the Cardiff area. "Any info? Contact us, quoting ref 2500170182 for Lilly and 2500170195 for Poppy." 2 2 Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Baby bison born at South Park Game Preserve
A new bison has been born at the South Park Game Preserve. The Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve, a Facebook page that provides frequent updates on the bison that call the park home, introduced followers to Kai on Tuesday. "After a long wait this Spring, we had an eye on last year's moms Lily and Rosie to deliver a Buffalo baby or two this year! And so today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - early this morning, our girl Lily came through and delivered our first baby this year!" the group wrote on Facebook. (Photo: Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve/Facebook) The Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve said the name Kai means "balance and harmony." It's the preserve's first red dog of the season after one female had a stillbirth and another appeared to have a miscarriage. In April, an Allegheny County spokesperson told KDKA-TV that they've elevated concerns about stillbirths and miscarriages in the bison herd to the United States Department of Agriculture. Allegheny County says bison have lived in South Park since 1927. Parkgoers can visit the herd from 7 a.m. to dusk. On Tuesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m., the bison caretaker hosts a public feeding. The county says more than 60 million bison once roamed North America, but by 1889, only a few hundred wild bison remained. Since the early 20th century, there have been nationwide efforts to restore their population.
