In News

The summer holidays are upon us which means that the UK’s top attractions, roadways and places of interest are going to be busier than ever. Which is great for them, but not so much for those of us with sensory conditions, like autism or Asperger’s who can easily get overwhelmed in crowds and where there is a lot of noise. Luckily, more companies than ever are taking part in autism friendly schemes, such as introducing an autism hour where their store or attraction is purposefully made quieter and calmer.

Whether you are an adult or a child with autism, you shouldn’t miss out on having fun over the summer, so we’ve come up with a few suggestions of things that you can do. Of course, depending on your own triggers you might need to do some further research, so do head over to our things to do page to see which attractions have the best facilities for you.

Visit a museum

Museums tend to be quiet and chill by their very nature and they’re also a great way to appeal to someone with a special interest. Whether you are into engineering, dinosaurs, spoons or something else entirely, there is a museum for you. Some museums have sensory rooms and interactive exhibits as well as quieter times, so they’re an ideal way to keep you entertained over the summer.

Go to the Cinema
The big cinema chains are working towards being as accessible as possible. There are a number of relaxed screenings as well as subtitled screenings. One cinema branch has even started advertising screenings geared towards those with autism which include leaving the lights on, reduced volume and even bringing your own food. Some cinemas also have earlier and later screenings outside of their official opening times to cater for those that need a bit more peace and quiet. Check with your local branch to see what films are on this summer and enjoy!

Visit a soft play centre
Ok, this one has the kids in mind, but soft play centres are great for children with sensory conditions. They can get very busy and crowded during the summer holidays, so give them a call beforehand and check that they don’t have any birthday parties or anything booked in. Some of the bigger centres also offer quieter hours and have designated areas where those with autism or Asperger’s can play.

Go to one of the UK’s top attractions

Yes, again, these will be busy during the summer months, but the more famous attractions have been working on putting facilities in place for those with additional accessibility needs. These include their own guide books, audio guides, interactive areas and more.

Can you think of any other suggestions for autism friendly days out? Get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

­­­

Sources:

https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/blog/autism-hour-top-10-autism-friendly-days-out

https://www.autism.org.uk/

https://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays-trips.aspx

Related