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Autism Night
October 27, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to enjoy The City in a sensory-friendly environment, along with other families. Our community partners, who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support. Watch a video tour of our museum here.
Specifically, for: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities. Pretend City will be closed to the public.
Art: Black Bowtie Bats in the sensory table with utensils. Orange and purple painting on bubble wrap. Decorate your own Trick-or-Treating bag!
Story Time: Little Blue Truck’s Halloween
Read for the Record Book: Nigel and The Moon by: Antwan Eady
Synopsis: When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too! Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky. But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
TRICK OR TREATING: Come celebrate Halloween with us at 6:15pm by visiting 5 stations for some goodies!
Music & Movement: The Monster Mash
About the play partner:
Accel Therapies will be here to share with guests about their services including behavioral therapy and improving communication skills. Our very own Brain Builder, Rachele Hill, has a Masters Degree in Special Education! She will be presenting information to families about Autism in our community room!
Thompson Autism Center will be available with information and educating families about their resources.
Fee: FREE to behavioral therapists and neurodiverse children or with other disabilities and their immediate families
Grown-up Tip: Talking through upcoming events or changes in routine is extremely important for children. Sudden change can cause stress and anxiety for our little ones. Try talking about the future beforehand to help prepare your child for changes. For instance, if they are starting a new school, parents could show them the website, drive by the school, meet the teacher and of course make sure to acknowledge and discuss their feelings during these transitions.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: We have a reoccurring predicament that we need your help with! Consistently, 200 guests register, but don’t attend. To mitigate this, we’ve decided to open registration closer to the event’s date so parents can better gauge their ability to attend. We know that a child’s temperament, nap schedule, energy level, will and desire to play can be unpredictable – we don’t want to discourage you from signing up for that reason! We simply want to spread awareness: When you sign up knowing that you likely won’t come, you are taking the spot another neurodiverse family might use! Thank you for your consideration and kindness!
RSVP HERE max: 250 guests* Only families that preregistered will be allowed to enter the museum. Please have your ID ready to show at the front desk to confirm your registration. Thank you!