Children are like addicts if devices are taken away
Ireland’s first neurodiverse festival NOLAN
IRELAND’S first neurodiverse festival has been launched to mark World Autism Awareness Day today.
Sensoria — held by Dublin City Council — will take place in the capital’s Merrion Square on April 28.
Described as Ireland’s first ever neurodivergent friendly festival, it’s being held as part of World Autism Month.
Brain
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term for those whose brains work differently for different reasons, such as those with autism, ADHD and dyslexia/dyscalculia.
Tickets for this free event can be booked from 10am this morning.
It’s part of Lord Mayor Daithi De Roiste’s plan to make Dublin the world’s first autism-friendly capital.
De Roiste said: “I am delighted to launch Dublin City Council Sensoria today, the first ever festival for neurodivergent families in Ireland.
“Through consultation with experts, we have created a space of acceptance, calm and understanding and designed a special programme of performances, workshops and activities for neurodiverse families.”
Merrion Square Park will be divided into a series of zones featuring a wide range of stimulating or quieter performances, workshops and activities in accordance with the diverse needs of the attendees.
Adam Harris, CEO of campaign group
AsIAm said: “Everyone deserves the same chance to enjoy the cultural life of our capital city and yet too often festivals, family days out and other special occasions in our communities can leave Autistic and neurodivergent people behind.
“This festival seeks to address the invisible, real barriers our community face and prioritises the support needs, and preferences of our community.” Harris added:
“It is another big step on Dublin’s journey to being recognised as the world’s first Autism Friendly Capital City”.
GENERATION Z are so hooked on social media they suffer addict-style jitters when their access is removed.
Boffins are warning users of Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X aged 12 to 27 “shake and sweat” if they have their devices removed – just like tremors that strike drug abusers and alcoholics when they go cold turkey.
Tony Marini, an expert in behavioural addictions at Castle Craig rehab clinic in Scotland, said: “People will have physical withdrawal symptoms similar to drug addicts, like shaking and sweating, when they have their devices taken away.
“The ‘reward’ from social media hits receptors in the brain in the same way cocaine would.
Users
“Users get a dopamine hit when they use platforms, which is addictive.”
Prof Phil Reed, a psychology lecturer at Swansea University who researches Internet addiction, likened social media platforms to “designer drugs”.
He added: “It is designed to be addictive... people are struggling with it.”
“Our studies have shown that within 30 seconds of someone having their phone taken away they start to display physiological symptoms.”