December 22, 2026 · Noon–3 p.m. · Jonesboro, Georgia
A holiday celebration should have room for a child who watches before joining in, needs a quieter moment, or communicates without spoken words. That is the idea behind BELIEVE: An Inclusive Christmas Experience, hosted by Leyla Strong Foundation in partnership with Auesomely You Cares Inc.
The planned December 22 gathering brings together families of neurodivergent children and children impacted by traumatic brain injury. Christmas pajamas are encouraged, and the invitation is to enjoy the day at a pace that works for each child.
Two organizations, connected by lived experience
Leyla Strong Foundation founder and executive director Ashley Marion describes a mission rooted in her daughter Leyla’s traumatic brain injury following a highway crash shortly before Christmas. The foundation’s own account connects that family experience with awareness, advocacy, and support for Georgia families facing brain injury.
That background gives an inclusive Christmas experience a particular meaning: a season associated with celebration can also hold memories of uncertainty and change. The foundation’s focus is on community and making sure families do not have to navigate those experiences alone.
Auesomely You Cares Inc., founded by Dr. Crystal Jordan, L.H.D., brings a focus on communication access and support for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and their caregivers. The organization’s work is informed by Jordan’s experience as the mother of Zachariah, who uses AAC.
Its official event page identifies Give A Voice as the communication-access campaign it brought to this partnership. Together, the organizations connect family support, disability inclusion, and opportunities for children to take part in a meaningful holiday experience.
Santa, sensory-friendly activities, and space to be yourself
According to Leyla Strong Foundation’s event information, families can expect a visit with Santa and photo opportunities, Christmas gifts, sensory-friendly activities, food and holiday treats, and entertainment. Children may move, take breaks, watch, and choose how they participate in activities.
The aim is a welcoming celebration rather than a full checklist every child must complete. A short visit, a quiet interaction, or time spent enjoying a familiar activity can be meaningful. Families can bring the items that help their children feel comfortable and keep their own plans flexible.
Give A Voice: communication access at BELIEVE
Auesomely You Cares reports that Inspiredu donated 20 devices for distribution at the December 22 event. Selected nonspeaking and minimally speaking participants will receive their communication tablets through the program; general attendance does not automatically include a device.
Device participation has its own process and requirements, separate from event registration. The organization’s published instructions describe attendance and early-arrival requirements, an impact interview, and a Media & Likeness Release. Families should review the instructions provided directly to them for their own participation.
A celebration built around belonging
Organizers want neurodivergent children and children impacted by brain injury to feel seen, included, supported, and celebrated. BELIEVE makes that intention concrete through a familiar holiday experience with room for different communication styles, sensory preferences, and ways of finding joy.
Registration and arrival details should be confirmed through the organizing teams. This article previews a planned event; the portraits show the people behind the organizations, rather than documenting a celebration that has already happened.
