Take a few seconds, close your eyes, and think about the last time you were in a museum. Try and recall the physical features of the space. Was the space easy to navigate? Were the exhibits well lit? Was it too bright? Could you easily find the exits and the bathrooms? Did any part of the museum overwhelm you?
What is autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodivergent condition that can impact the way a visitor experiences a museum. According to the CDC, this can affect a person’s social, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. There is no cure or single cause of ASD. It is a lifelong condition that can be present in any race, gender, or socioeconomic group.
Characteristics of people with ASD can be:
- Nonverbal or delayed speech
- Repetition of language or movement
- Distressed by changes
- Structured play
- Interested in one specific topic or item
- High levels of anxiety or depression
According to the CDC:
By the Numbers
- 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with ASD
- Boys are 4 times more likely to be diagnosed
- 1 in 116 girls, 1 in 27 boys
- 40% of children with autism are nonverbal
Appropriate Language
Now, it is important to recognize that there is specific language when addressing those with autism. In my research I found there are two main appropriate ways the community would like to be described:
Person First/Identity First: describes what the person has, not what the person is. This separates the disability from the person.
____ is autistic.: emphasizes that autism is a part of what makes the individual who they are.
So, what do say? What do they prefer? The simple answer: ASK!
What can make the museum experience difficult?
Recall in the beginning when you were asked to think about your museum experiences. For someone with sensory sensitivities, museums can be especially overstimulating, overwhelming, and overall less enjoyable.
The museum environment can have many factors that contribute to having a difficult time. Lights in the exhibit space can be bright or too dim. Sounds can be disruptive and distracting- from within the exhibit space to the other visitors and families. Unexpected factors like changes in routine or interactive displays that play automatically can be also be a challenge. Discomfort in not knowing the routes to the restrooms and exits, navigating the spaces and travelling exhibits no long being available can confuse routine. Lastly, the lack of quiet spaces! Quiet spaces do not have to be designated rooms for children with autism, but can be a bench, a garden, or even a quiet exhibit.
Exceptional Examples
In Washington, DC, the Smithsonian Institution offers Morning at the Museum on specific Saturday and Sunday mornings before opening to the general public. By rotating host museums within the Smithsonian, families are exposed to various events and programs at each institution. Families receive pre-visit materials, with visual schedules, tip sheets and sensory maps to anticipate what they might see on their visit. Welcoming autistic visitors to Morning at the Museum gives them the opportunity to practice and prepare for another visit.
World of Wonder Children’s Museum (WOW) in Lafayette, Colorado opens its doors for Sensory Friendly Playtime for just $1 a person. The event reduces the number of families (to reduce crowds) and turns down sounds and lights for the morning. Headphones, weighted vests, and occupational and physical therapists are available as needed. WOW provides a sensory menu, that details what a visitor can expect and where they can go for certain experiences. It describes which areas of the museum may be overstimulating but also provides ways to explore their senses. A social narrative can be found on the museum’s website as a pre-visit resource to set expectations even before entering the museum. This detailed twenty-five-page booklet introduces the museum with pictures of the exhibits and expected behaviors written from a child’s perspective.
To take our journey global, in London, the Science Museum offers many programs for autistic visitors of all ages. Before visitation, the museum’s collection can be found online. Visitors can also take a 360 Virtual Tour, whereas most museums offer a visual narrative. Promotional videos for their Early Birds program can be found in British Sign Language to accommodate their nonverbal attendees. Night Owls sensory friendly evening is one of the few offered for ages 16 and up. Sensory Astronauts is an opportunity for families to sleepover at the museum paired with activities, a movie, and breakfast the following morning.
How can every museum strive to be inclusive for autistic visitors?
- Programs for all ages & all interests
- When researching museums with programming or events for families with autism, the majority of institutions were science or children’s museums. How other institutions such as: historical houses, natural history museums or even zoos and aquariums create programming for the autistic community? Very few of researched museums offered programming for visitors over the age of 16. What are some ways institutions can co-create with adult visitors?
- Programs all year round
- If a museum offers programming, they need to ensure that it is being offered year-round, not just certain times like Autism Awareness Month. Institutions can provide longer events and programs such as camps during Summer and Winter breaks to establish a routine, build confidence and develop skills, but also socialize with others.
- Pre-Visit Materials
- For museums that do not have the resources or funding to provide events or specific times for sensory play, there are other ways for autistic individuals to have a meaningful experience. One of the most beneficial resources are pre-visit materials posted online year-round. Families can download social narratives, sensory maps, and schedules of attractions within the museum before leaving their house.
- Other valuable information such as times of low visitor attendance, bathroom and exit locations, and quiet spaces are useful. An Access Survey taken by Euan’s Guide in 2017 found that 95% of visitors with disabilities tried to find access information before visiting an establishment for the first time. Guest services can have sensory bags with headphones, weighted vests, and visual vocabulary sheets on hand for daily visitors.
- Bring in the Autism community and families as a resource
- When designing an autism friendly environment, why not create partnerships with those with autism? Focus groups can provide insight on what the community wants to see and how it should be done. What feedback and expectations do parents have when visiting a museum?
- Museums can offer volunteer or career opportunities in any department. Statistics from the National Autistic Society found that only 16% of autistic adults work full time despite the fact that 77% want to work. How can museums strive to be diverse AND inclusive?
- Training
- Lastly, TRAINING. Yes, this goes way beyond just the educational staff. Trained guest services, other museum staff, and even security guards can be better equipped to provide help when they know what to recognize. Families having difficulties can be offered sensory bags or directed to quiet areas without being asked. Parents often describe feeling judged by other guests or museum personnel. Trained staff can help alleviate that stress just a little.
Museums hold the responsibility to be inclusive for all audiences. How can museums continue to create spaces for children with autism to learn?
Additional Reading & Resources
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visit/accessibility
https://wowchildrensmuseum.org/visit/sensory-friendly-playtime/
Museum People 