Autism Awareness Month

Check out some local businesses in our community that are doing their part to be all involved in this awareness.

April is Autism awareness month and while I do hope that most are aware of Autism and informed about the spectrum, my wish would be that April (and every other month) would be Autism INCLUSION month. Did you know that 1 in 6 people has a sensory need or an invisible disability (PTSD, Autism, Strokes, and Dementia just to name a few)? Did you also know that there are several local places working hard night and day to make sure they are accommodating in every way to every single person in our community regardless? I just wanted to take a few minutes, as someone who has had personal experiences with Autism, and highlight some of the local businesses in our community that are doing their part to be all involving while acknowledging that we all have different needs.

Let’s start with The Birmingham Zoo. One of the first things we noticed when the zoo reopened after it’s amazing “face lift” was the sensory room near the restrooms when you first walk through the entrance. For anyone who is overstimulated or just needs a quiet place to regroup, you are welcome here. You’ll notice the signage as you walk throughout the zoo indicating “Quiet Zones” where there is little activity and offer spaces to sit down or regroup if overstimulation does occur. Most of the indoor spaces tend to be louder and noisier so there is signage that deems these areas “Headphone Zones.” The Birmingham Zoo also has weighted lap pads to help during activities where sitting is required such as the train, the sea lion show, or the wildlife show. The zoo itself is also wheelchair accessible throughout it’s entirety, including both the carousel and the train as well. Overall, if you or anyone in your party has any disabilities or sensory sensitivities, this is such a great place to visit and enjoy.

The McWane Science Center is another fun filled way to spend your day and ensure that everyone in your group is included. There are so many educational things to do and the interactive portions are unrivaled. Accessibility elevators and ramps can be found in all public areas including the IMAX Dome Theater. In addition to all of the in-person fun, The McWane Center also offers a “Virtual McWane” where children can participate in science activities and educational videos. Stay Home Science and McWane on the Web are other great programs designed to help your children learn in fun educational ways even from the comfort of your own home.

Another Birmingham attraction that is sensory friendly and disability accessible is The Birmingham Museum of Art. There are many accommodations for visitors with a variety of needs including those who use mobility devices, have low or no vision, are color blind, or have other sensory sensitivities. They have done a fantastic job teaming up with the Autism Society of Alabama to provide sensory packets. These packets are available upon request at either entrance and include ear plus, sunglasses, and fidgets.

The Vulcan looks after us in more ways than one…From high on the hill overlooking downtown for miles and learning how to better serve our community through sensory inclusivity. They set a goal about 4 years ago to provide a positive experience to those with sensory issues and they have used sensory bags to aid in this endeavor. These bags include noise canceling headphones, earplugs, verbal cue cards, fidget toys, and weighted lap pads. Anyone in the Visitors Center will be more than glad to provide you and your party with one of these bags to ensure that everyone is included in the fun.

One place I recently discovered is the sensory nature trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The garden is beautiful and calming in and of itself, but the sensory nature trail allows you to look, see, and feel different things all throughout the garden. The fact that this is just a large quiet outdoor space is reason enough for us to venture out and enjoy a beautiful relaxing day.

AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings. Sensory Friendly Films is a national organization that exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. Not only do they turn the lights up and turn the sound down so you can get up, dance, walk, shout, sing, or whatever makes you happy, but also they are increasing public awareness of autism, advocating for appropriate services, and providing the latest information on treatment, education, research, advocacy. These Sensory Friendly Film programs are available on the second and fourth Saturday of every month and are family friendly in nature.

Red Mountain Park opened the Butler Snow Sensory Trail in 2018 which includes 14 different activity stations engaging the senses from smelling herbs and touching different forest materials to birdcalls and musical pots and pans. This trail also includes a short tock wall, bench swings, and a quiet zone for families to sit and take it all in. This trail is about 0.14 miles long and is located near the entrance of the park. P.S. There’s also a dog park…How’s that for including the whole family?

The Hoover Met Complex has cozy spots including a rocking robin, motion features, and sensory features specifically designed to provide children the opportunity to activate technology devices on the playground. The swings are designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Even the colors and textures that are found throughout the playground are purposefully designed. They are also home to an adult changing room, which is the first of its kind for an outdoor playground/splash pad.

A favorite for us when my oldest was between 3-6 was Let’s Play. If cleanliness is next to Godliness than Let’s Play is a little piece of Heaven on Earth. It is always spotless and you will always find someone somewhere cleaning something. Let’s Play hosts Sensory Friendly night on the second Tuesday of every month. The facilities are closed to the general public during this time so be sure to mention you are there for “Sensory friendly play.” The lights are dimmed and the noises are reduced giving you and your family and fun filled sensory friendly environment to enjoy. Also, be sure to bring socks for you and everyone in your party. I say this because I was unaware at 33+ years old, when I would not be partaking in the climbing of the things, that I would need socks to chill on the wall with the other parents doing the same but the 17 year old managers are good at handling kiddos and parents alike so moral of the story…Everyone will need socks regardless of any activities you will or will not be doing. Also in case I forgot to mention, EVERYONE needs socks.

Urban Air is another great location that we have recently learned about, who offers sensory friendly play on select dates/times. It’s specifically geared for children with Autism and special needs to enjoy time at the park without loss music or flashing lights. Socks are also a requirement here as well (but only for those participating). They are available for purchase at each location if you forget to bring yours.

Those are just 10 of the places here in our wonderful city that are striving to make a difference to be all inclusive for any and everyone with Autism or special needs. We are so grateful for the effort that is being made to ensure that everyone is afforded the same opportunities. Also, this article is thanks in large part to a nonprofit organization known as KultureCity by creating sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities. If you don’t know about KultureCity, especially if you or a loved one is affected by a sensory sensitivity or disability, I strongly urge you to check them out. They are leading the way for great change right here in Birmingham, Alabama.

DIY fidgets are a wonderful tool for helping children with autism manage daily stress, stay focused on a task at hand and self-regulate their emotions.