Autism-Friendly Activities in Michigan – Illuminate ABA
According to statistics, every 1 in the 59 children has autism spectrum disorder in Michigan, which estimates 50,000 children in total. This staggering figure reflects the need for inclusive and accessible autism-friendly activities across the state.
Such activities are specially designed for the sensory and social needs of individuals with autism, not only as a source of enjoyment for them but as a way to manage their symptoms as well. In this article, you will find out the autism-friendly activities that you can look for if you are residing in Michigan.
Sensory-Friendly Attractions
Museums
- Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn)
This museum is a great place for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it aims to provide a safe, unique, and engaging experience, especially for autistic people. They sought professional advice from a network of medical and educational experts for the designing of sensory-friendly programming.
They often organize sensory-friendly days, events, programs, and ternaries throughout the year. Moreover, they provide accommodation at the Henry Ford that provides access to a variety of experiences, including pre-visit materials, sensory-friendly maps, quiet zones, noise-cancellation headphones, etc.
- Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum (Grand Rapids)
Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum often organizes sensory-friendly days, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On such days, they restrict the number of visitors, reduce noise levels, and also provide sensory-friendly toolkits. Moreover, this museum has quiet rooms as well for ASD people who need a break from sensory stimuli. All in all, this museum ensures that autistic individuals can enjoy as well in a more relaxed and less overwhelming environment.
Zoos and aquariums
- Detroit Zoo (Royal Oaks)
Detroit Zoo hosts sensory-friendly events for individuals with different sensory needs. This zoo was the first barless zoo in the United States, and it is one of the largest paid attractions in Michigan. They also have designated quiet rooms if someone needs a break from the crowd.
Moreover, you can also ask for sensory kits that include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, and other resources that reduce the sensory input to ensure that you can have a good family time here.
- Sea Life Michigan Aquarium (Auburn Hills)
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium hosts sensory-friendly days where they adjust the environment to accommodate visitors with autism. During these days, they reduce the volume of audio exhibits, adjust the lighting, and limit the number of guests to make the environment sensory-friendly.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
State Parks And Nature Reserves
- Kensington Metropark (Milford)
Kensington Metropark, located in Milford, can be a great outing spot for autistic people as it offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to individuals with autism. The park has accessible and easy trails where families can enjoy nature walks. Furthermore, there are quiet picnic areas as well where you can cherish family picnics without worrying about the overwhelmness of your autistic family member.
- Huron Clinton Metroparks (Southeast Michigan)
Huron Clinton Metroparks includes multiple parks across Southeast Michigan, many of which are inclusive and accessible to individuals with autism. These parks have such trails where you can easily navigate the wheelchairs and strollers so that your ASD child also can enjoy nature without any hindrance.
Farms And Gardens
- Blake’s Orchard and Cider’s Mill (Armada)
Blake’s Orchard and Cider’s Mill can be your next spot if you are looking for a mindful outdoor activity with an autistic child. Here, you can take part in apple-picking events where the noise levels are kept minimum and the crowd is limited. Sensory play areas are also available where ASD children can experience different textures and sounds that boost their fine motor skills in a calming way.
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens (Ann Arbour)
Matthaei Botanical Gardens is ideal for sensory-friendly outings because of its serene environment. Here, you can do sensory-friendly tours with guides who are trained to accommodate the needs of people with autism. This place is a calming retreat for people who are looking for a relaxing and enjoyable spot that is without sensory overload.
Autism-Friendly Recreational Facilities
Indoor Play Centers
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park (Various Locations)
Sky Zone Trampoline Park is located in multiple locations in Michigan. Some of them offer “Sensory Hours” for children with sensory sensitivities so that they can also enjoy the trampoline activity. During these special hours, they make the environment conducive for children with autism and provide a safe and inclusive space for physical activity.
- We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym (Fenton)
This gym is exclusively designed for children with autism. It has inclusive equipment such as zip lines, swings, and sensory play areas that are designed to meet the specific sensory needs of children with autism.
Additionally, this gym offers specialized programming and classes where motor skills are taught, socialization is encouraged, and they are asked to engage in sensory-friendly activities.
Sports And Fitness Programs
If you want to engage your autistic child in some physical activity, Sports Programs of Autism Alliance of Michigan is a great option. It offers a variety of adaptive sports programs like soccer, swimming, and other team sports that are inclusive of autism. They have trained coaches and instructors who ensure that children with autism can enjoy physical activity as well.
YMCA, a leading non-profit, has multiple locations in Michigan. It is also an ideal spot for the physical activity of children with autism spectrum disorders, as it offers autism-friendly swimming and fitness classes that cater to the different sensory needs of individuals.
Conclusion
So, restricting your ASD kid to indoor settings is not an option; instead, engaging them in activities that are sensory-friendly is an effective way to manage their ASD.
Read About: List of Maladaptive Behaviors In Autism
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