The Children’s Museum is doing its part for kids on the autism spectrum, setting aside time when the kids learn-and-play facility environment is set especially for those with sensory concerns.
On the first Saturday of each month, the museum will open its doors at 8:30 a.m. for children on the autism spectrum. During this early entry time, the museum will dim its lights and turn down noisy exhibits in order to help kids feel more comfortable. Sound and light sensitivities are common and especially challenging for children with autism. They may feel overwhelmed in crowds. For many, such sensory issues mean they cannot go to places like The Children’s Museum, which is normally full of sounds, lights and hundreds of children and caregivers.
The Museum is offering the Early Opens for Autism program in partnership with Autism Speaks, a leading advocacy group for those on the spectrum and their families.
“The Museum values children and their families. This partnership with Autism Speaks is another way we can come alongside families,” said Donna Marie Bertrand, Executive Director at the Museum, in a release. “The Museum is desires to be a welcoming place for children with autism – Autism Speaks is helping us achieve that goal.”
On Early Open days, the box office will be closed from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. while museum staff transition to open for the general public. No new visitors will be admitted between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. so bring your child with autism early.
To make visits easier for kids on the spectrum and their providers, the Museum will provide detailed maps highlighting areas of the Museum that have potential to be louder and will also provide safe quiet areas. During the Early Open time (8:30 to 10 a.m.) the Museum will not run its normal music or sounds and will not use the PA system. Normal sounds resume at 10 a.m. when they open to the public.
