Our autism-friendly day out at a theme park
Last weekend, Family Fund’s media manager Rachel had a great time at an autism-friendly event at Gulliver’s World theme park in Warrington. She shares her family experience:
“As a SEN parent to my son Joshua, who has autism, ADHD and Dyspraxia, I’m always looking for ‘relaxed’ or specialist sessions to try out.
“The A World UK, a non-profit organisation supporting the autistic community in the North of England and the Midlands, books entire venues like Blackpool Zoo, Diggerland and Gulliver’s World. They offer subsidised ticket prices for families, ensure low entrance numbers and a SEN crowd that feels accepting and supportive on the day.”
Mainstream mayhem
“We’ve all but given up mainstream family days out because of factors like crowding (my son backs away and totally disengages), queuing (hello meltdowns) and interactions with children without additional needs which can end in upset. Then for us grownups – as many SEN parents unfortunately will know – it’s the looks and comments from other parents passing judgement or giving us unsolicited parenting advice…
“Our day out to Gulliver’s World was a total success from start to finish – generally no queues or very short ones, no reactions other than nods and smiles to my son’s stimming and very good support from the staff.”
Magic in the air
“I always find my son is most confident around other children with additional needs, something I think a lot of SEN parents can relate to. Perhaps it’s just the similar level and style of communication which he shares with other SEN children. Or, it’s seeing them stimming or laughing at the things he also finds funny, but there’s always just a bit of magic in the air.”
“Like my son sitting in the front of a ladybird car ride typically for much younger children and laughing with delight when another boy around seven or eight hopped in the back and exclaimed, ‘Drive me, drive me!’ Once the ride started, the other boy’s mum and I shared a happy, tearful moment as our kids shouted and clapped, both lost in the moment, fully accepting of one another.
“No comments that ‘he’s too old for that,’ or asking them to stop making a racket around the younger children who the ride is ‘for’. No looks from other kids who might think they’re being ‘babyish’ or ‘silly.’”
Making days out better
At Family Fund our research shows that SEN families often experience negative attitudes and a lack of adjustments on days out, and we’re working to help change this.
With longer holidays approaching we’ll be posting about venues, companies and events which are inclusive and accessible – making it easier to see these at a glance.
If you’ve had a great day out somewhere please let us know by emailing [email protected]