ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Mackenzie Hennekes' kids relax in the library at the Miriam School and Learning Center's library.
Mackenzie said her fifth and third grader both attend Miriam.
"Both of them have autism, so building relationships and friendships can be difficult," she added.
Mackenzie liked the idea of smaller classrooms for her boys.
The educational nonprofit serves students from 82 zip codes, including the Hennekes.
From diagnostics to therapies to personalized curriculum, the organization aims to support.
Mary Cognata is the head of the lower and middle schools.
Cognata said, "We're a school with children with unique learners, so they have complex and mild to moderate learning disabilities."
Head of Miriam School Meg Bamford said they are there for parents and the students.
"As a parent, you can feel so alone because you don't know what to do or how to do it. We're here to help you, you're not alone. We want everyone to know that our kids are amazing and they just need tools and techniques to get through the changes of the holiday season," Bamford said.
That's why the organization wants to raise awareness of ways to prepare for sensory overload during the holidays.
Cognata recommended keeping a routine as much as possible.
Mackenzie believes a plan is pivotal.
"Having a calendar is very nice and we do it monthly and we go over it with the kids. Also, talking about what we will be doing the next day or the weekend," she added.
Mackenzie notices this time of year can be trickier for her kids.
"Just because they aren’t as active when they are in school. We suggest puzzles or to go outside. We’re trying not to let them sit in front of the TV all day long because that’s when we see sensory overload, sitting for long periods of time," she shared.
Bamford suggested giving a heads up to others.
"It's also nice to tell other family members, hey sometimes my child has a hard time with lots of noise, so if we get up from the table it's not because he's being disrespectful, he needs an opportunity to reset themselves," she added.
School leaders told 5 On Your Side these are just some of the ways they strive to serve.
It's an act Mackenzie has witnessed and learned herself.
"We would be lost without it. I think about where we were three years ago, I almost want to cry. The amount of growth our son has made and now my other son says he has friends. That's huge, last year I had a child in second grade tell me, I don't have friends mommy... and that is not an issue here. We’re really really lucky to be able to have this option," Mackenzie shared.
Miriam offers tuition assistance through its 'Variable Tuition Program' and 60% of families receive assistance, totaling to $2.2 million each year.
This is made possible by supporters in the community.
Mackenzie said she would not be able to send their kids to Miriam if not for the tuition assistance.
For more information to donate to Miriam, click here.