Many parents who have children with autism often feel hesitant to do "normal kid things" in public, because they typically involve crowds of people and lots of stimulating factors that can contribute to sensory overload. Children with ASD sometimes can't manage situations that most kids enjoy, such as going trick-or-treating for Halloween. Whether they have a food allergy, sensitivity to fire or various costumes, or they feel overwhelmed in a crowd of people, Halloween is a tricky time for kids with ASD. However, some organizations have created sensory-friendly events specifically for children with autism.
For the past couple years, The Children's Museum in Pittsburgh has provided a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat event for kids with autism. Instead of handing out candy, they provide small fidget toys for the kids. They also have different stations for the kids to spread out throughout the facility and color, dance, hear a story, or continue moving to the next station where they receive a toy. Each part of the event is carefully planned to ensure the kids have an enjoyable time and so they can experience Halloween by still getting to dress up but feel safe and relaxed.
During my freshman year at Duquesne, I was able to volunteer at the Halloween event. It was incredible to see the joy on kids faces and to know how much the parents appreciated the event since they could watch their kids enjoy a holiday that is usually another reminder of the difficulties of living with autism.
Today, many facilities have began accommodating their environments so that all kids can come and enjoy what they have to offer. Kids with autism can now look forward to going to various places such as roller rinks, sky zone, disney on ice, and broadway at various times of the year when accommodations are made.
In addition to various facilities making modifications due to increased awareness of ASD, more research continues to be done in order to gain a better understanding of why people are born with this disorder. A lot of research on the brain has been performed and there has been evidence to show differences in various brain regions in people with autism and how they relate to some of autism's most obvious and severe symptoms. Found below is a picture explaining the various brain regions and how they are affected, ("Why Does It...").
Work Cited:
“Why Does It Take Brains to Understand Autism?” Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org/science-blog/why-does-it-take-brains-understand-autism.
