AUTISM FRIENDLY
Finding new and exciting days out that are compatible with additional needs can be a struggle, as most attractions and events are aimed at neurotypical people. Thanks to a greater public awareness of the additional needs that can come along with autism, many companies have now started to partner with charities to arrange specific events catering to this. If arranging a day out for someone you know/care for at any of the events on this list, always remember to check that the way that autism affects the person you are planning to go with aligns will actually be supported by the accommodations made by the event. Autism can present itself in many different ways, and so the changes made to these places may not help, if they do not target the specific issues with the event that the person may have.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE MANCHESTER
Legoland Discovery Centre are now offering Autism friendly sessions that run every Thursday during term time from 2pm-6pm. Accommodations that have been made are as follows:
- Music turned off, sound effects limited and lighting adjusted to be as standard as possible
- Any areas that require specific lighting/effects have signage and staff members assigned to inform guests on what exactly is ahead so they are able to make an informed decision if they will feel comfortable continuing through that route
- Ride access passes available through an application- criteria and application form can be found at https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/manchester/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/accessibility-guide/#ride-access-pass
- A designated quiet space to prevent any overwhelm
- Ear defenders and hidden disability lanyards available
- A social story is available online to help plan ahead and familiarise with the process of the event
ODEON AUTISM FRIENDLY SCREENINGS
Odeon partnered with the charity Dimensions, who provide support services to people with learning disabilities/autism, to create a monthly screening that caters to the needs of these groups. Many other cinemas have followed suite and there are many different companies that offer these screenings regularly now. Some of the ways the shows are altered are:
- House lights are kept on
- Lowered audio volume
- No ads or trailers
- Doors are opened early to allow for cinema-goers to get used to the surroundings before the film starts
- Noise/movement is allowed, as well as leaving/returning as needed
LOOK INSIDE- SENSORY LEARNING & PLAY
Look Inside are involved in many different areas of support for those with additional needs and the people in their lives, including counselling, parenting classes and respite care. If you are just looking for something to do in the day that fully caters to additional needs, their sensory play room has lots of accommodations- suitable for children/young people aged 0-25 with behavioural/learning needs or physical difficulties. Inside their sensory play room there is:
- DVD Projections
- An interactive light panel
- Light projections
- A fibre-optic harness
- Toys
- A bubble tube
- An interactive floor
INFLATA NATION AUTISM FRIENDLY SESSIONS
According to the National Autistic Society physical activity is reported to be beneficial for motor-coordination and diminishing inappropriate behaviour. Taking this into account, Inflata Nation (previously Jump Nation) run sessions specifically geared towards those on the autism spectrum to enjoy. The sessions take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 9-10AM. Inflata Nation is also a great choice for an activity that families of those with autism can enjoy alongside them, as siblings and parents are encouraged to join in on the fun! The session is different in a few ways:
- The venue is filled to half capacity
- Music turned down
- A parent/carer is allowed to enter free of charge with any participant
- Complimentary juice and biscuits for all participants after the session
