Embracing Autism Month: Celebrating Neurodiversity

Friday, April 1

Autism Month is a valuable time to celebrate those who identify as neurodiverse, while providing meaningful experiences for all to come together in celebration. It’s through increased understanding and celebration that we foster a greater synergistic community, regardless of sensory and communication differences.  

Purpose Behind the Play: Social-emotional development, self-advocacy, communication, autonomy, validation of sensory differences.  

Smart Art (on-going):  

• A Sensory Exploration: Today, we will offer our guests an array of activities that incorporate the five senses. We’ll also be proving materials that empower our citizens to regulate their emotional experiences. Sensory experiences and emotional experiences are highly connected for all children, and by giving them sensory tools, you give them emotional regulation tools as well.  

Sensational Story Time in Orange Plaza (11 AM & 2:30 PM):  

• Noah Chases the Wind > This Moonbeam Award winner is all about Noah, a boy who knew he was different. He could see things that others couldn’t, like the patterns in the dust that floated down on sunbeams. 

Grown-up Tip: Pretend play is one way occupational therapists desensitize triggering tasks, foods, and places in order to address daily living skills. Pretend City is an ideal place to start this, because there’s no real risk of getting a bath, brushing teeth, or eating broccoli here. Instead it’s all play! What does your child struggle with? Start with something small – do they hate tortillas? We have fun rubbery ones in Trader Joes! Are they terrified of bath time? The bath in the home is the perfect place to wash a babydoll.  

RSVP:    Not required
Fee:    Included with museum admission