April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize and appreciate individuals on the autism spectrum and increase public understanding of this neurological disorder. It’s a month of advocacy and education, and there’s no better way to do that than to share stories of acts of kindness and support toward individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). So today, we’re giving a special shoutout to the Museum of Science in Boston for their outstanding support towards a child with ASD and spreading awareness on how organizations can promote inclusivity and accommodate children with ASD.
It’s challenging to deal with meltdowns, especially for children with ASD. Meltdowns result from sensory overload or emotional stressors, sometimes leading to hitting, punching, or throwing objects. It’s not uncommon for a child with ASD to experience meltdowns in public places, which can be challenging for the child and their caregivers. However, what happened at the Museum of Science in Boston exemplifies how organizations can proactively create an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with ASD.
A young lady familiar with ASD noticed a child having a meltdown and quickly offered assistance. She understood the need for a calm environment and used her skills and knowledge to help the child find his calm. Two museum employees also joined in to assist, and their support was unwavering, even when the child hit, punched, and threw objects. They didn’t take it personally nor gave disapproving looks but remained understanding and compassionate towards the child and his caregivers. Their support was essential in helping the child navigate through the meltdown and regain a sense of calmness.
Organizations need trained staff members familiar with ASD and equipped with the necessary skills to support individuals with ASD. It’s equally important to create a sensory-friendly environment that reduces external stimuli and provides comfort zones for individuals with ASD. The Museum of Science in Boston has done an outstanding job of accommodating children with ASD. They offer sensory-friendly hours, specific programming, and trained staff dedicated to supporting individuals with ASD. Despite their differences, their efforts have created a welcoming environment for every child.
It’s not just about offering accommodations but also about showing compassion and understanding toward individuals with ASD. Creating an inclusive environment means never judging or treating someone differently because of their neurological differences. We need to spread awareness and educate people about the true nature of ASD and the importance of inclusivity. We must continue to advocate for better accommodations and support for children with ASD in public spaces, institutions, and schools while celebrating their unique abilities and talents.
This Autism Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the organizations, individuals, and communities supporting individuals with ASD. A massive shoutout to the Museum of Science in Boston for their outstanding support and inclusivity toward individuals with ASD. It takes a village to raise a child and a supportive community to embrace every child, regardless of their differences. Let’s continue to educate ourselves on Autism, promote inclusivity, and support those who need it most. Let’s make the world better by being more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate towards individuals with ASD.
Ps. This post was inspired by my personal experience at the museum (instagram post)
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