Content via The Mighty
All Raquel Noriega wanted was to throw her daughter, Ava, a birthday party the 2-year-old would enjoy. What she didn’t realize was how challenging it would be to find a venue that could accommodate a child on the autism spectrum.
Most venues host multiple parties at once, have bright lights and music blasting and are generally overwhelming, especially for someone with sensory sensitivities.
“In my search, I did not come across venues that suited her needs,” Noriega told The Mighty. “Like every other mom, I wanted to be able to go do fun things with my child and have a birthday party for her.”
Noriega eventually found a venue in Bayshore, New York, – Pixie Dust – which allowed her to tailor the party to her daughter’s needs. But she decided to take things a step further — to help other parents throw parties their kids with special needs could enjoy, Noriega bought Pixie Dust and began overhauling it as a special-needs-friendly party location.
“Our parties are customizable to each child’s needs and likes,” Noriega told The Mighty. “Every detail is thought and talked about with the parent during the planning process to prevent any meltdowns.”
Pixie Dust also allows parents to customize the party’s menu to fit their child’s dietary needs. “Most party places just offer pizza as an option,” she said. “We can customize the food menu for those with sensitivities to texture.”