Autism Acceptance Month: Here are sensory inclusive spaces around Dallas-Fort Worth
Life on the autism spectrum can be challenging, as individuals navigate a world not built to meet their needs.
Going to everyday places like a restaurant, gym or grocery store can be a daunting task because of sensory sensitivity.
Many people with autism experience hypersensitivity to bright lights, loud noises or crowded spaces, and may use “stimming,” or self-stimulatory behavior when they feel overwhelmed.
As we near the end of Autism Acceptance Month, it’s a good time to remember that in Texas, at least 250,000 individuals have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Texas Autism Council. And autism is the fastest-growing disability in the state.
With rising numbers, places around Dallas-Fort Worth have installed “sensory spaces” for individuals with ASD, or anyone who just needs to take a minute to themselves. These rooms are made to calm people with sensory sensitivity.
Tina Fletcher creates these spaces, also known as multi-sensory environments, around North Texas for people on the spectrum. She serves on the Dallas Sensory Consortium, a group that aims to improve access to arts and entertainment venues for visitors with autism or sensory challenges. The consortium offers sensory days, where families can enjoy sensory-friendly activities at venues including the Dallas Zoo, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
“We don’t want to segment kids with autism, but we do want to provide them and other kids with sensory processing challenges with a way to practice being in the community,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher and her team work to adjust environments to accommodate people on the autism spectrum. Sometimes even small changes, like fixing a squeaky doorknob so that it’s not as noisy, can go a long way, she said. They also provide resources to families so they can prepare to visit places that might cause a sensory overload.
“Families with kids who are neurodiverse appreciate having something predictable,” Fletcher said “So we’re trying to make more predictable patterns, so kids will know what to expect, and families can make their plans.”
Recently, Fletcher and her group conducted a study looking into what families want in a sensory-friendly experience. The result: ice fishing houses with fiber optic lighting, a star projector, a white noise machine and weighted lap pads. The “sensory spaces on wheels” are taken to venues so that individuals with sensory sensitivity can take a break from the event for a while. That allows them to recharge and stay at the event for a longer period of time.
Sensory spaces have these essential components, Fletcher says:
- Forward and backward movement with a rocking chair or swing.
- Feeling of a gentle pressure hug by a weighted blanket or pad.
- Control over sounds and lighting.
- Something to hold, like a fidget toy.
The group is using a grant from NASA to develop a sensory space at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Fletcher says the consortium is starting to work with Fort Worth venues, like Casa Mañana Theatre, to make them more sensory-friendly. Next, they want to expand their reach across North Texas at places like the State Fair, Six Flags and sports arenas.
“My goal is really just to normalize the whole concept of being sensory defensive or autistic, it’s just a different way of being, but it’s not a negative condition,” Fletcher said. “So the more we can help kids get out in the community, I think the more acceptance we’re going to see.”
Here are more sensory spaces around Dallas-Fort Worth:
We Rock the Spectrum, Dallas
This accessibility focused gym’s motto is “finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry.” Featuring a zip line, trampoline and swings, We Rock the Spectrum is at 11722 Marsh Ln. For more information, call 214-468-4880 or visit werockthespectrumdallas.com.
Dream Park
This 57,000 square-foot playground located in Trinity Park is a place where kids of all abilities can share adventures together. There are interactive and musical elements scattered throughout the playground to provide a sensory-rich environment. The park is temporarily closed and will reopen on May 11.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
The orchestra holds concerts designed for children and adults on the autism spectrum, with the next one on June 4. Fidgets, ear plugs and eye covers will be available to help prevent overstimulation. Quiet rooms will be set aside in case the music becomes overwhelming.
Studio A, Kimbell Art Museum
A sensory-friendly drop-in play space invites children 5 and younger to imagine their own adventure. This “please touch” room encourages families to experience art and community from an early age. Studio A is always free and open during regular museum hours.
Dallas Children’s Theater
A child with autism or another sensory challenge who loves theater and the arts will enjoy sensory-friendly shows at the Dallas Children’s Theater. The next season will start Oct. 8, with “Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School.” Tickets are $5 per person.
