Theme parks accommodate autistic guests
In the Academy Award-nominated documentary, a family is able to communicate with its autistic son by mimicking characters from Disney animated movies. Children with autism spectrum disorders often develop a special affinity for the films. Like most kids, they also enjoy going to Disney theme parks to meet the characters in person and to enjoy the rides.
A theme park visit can pose unique challenges for families with autistic members, however. With the prevalence of autism on the rise (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children have the condition), parks are making special accommodations available.
Kids on the autistic spectrum don’t just want to meet Snow White, Mickey Mouse, and other characters from the Disney dossier. “My son is fascinated by Thomas,” says Cherie Daly. That would be Thomas the Tank Engine, the plucky steam locomotive featured in books, the television show, and Thomas Land at Edaville Family Theme Park in Carver, Mass.
Now in her third season as an employee at the park, Daly has been in a unique position to advocate for her son and other families. When she started, Daly approached Edaville’s general manager and had conversations with her about what it’s like to have an autistic child. As a result, the park has made a number of changes to make visits easier.
For example, there is a dedicated quiet room stocked with books, puzzles, and a weighted blanket. Daly explains that many children on the spectrum can experience sensory overload and act out in a way that others might misinterpret as a tantrum. With large crowds, loud mechanical rides, and screams from roller coaster passengers, theme parks typically present lots of stimulation. The quiet room allows families to get away from the noise, people and other distractions.
There also is a quiet car on the Thomas train and fidget toys available for children to play with while they wait in line for rides.
This year, Legoland Florida introduced quiet rooms for visitors with autism spectrum disorders. The rooms include weighted blankets, squishy