Autism Friendly Experiences
Sometimes for children with autism, simple things like getting a haircut, going to the dentist or attending a sports event can be extremely challenging. Through some trial and error, we have found some amazing businesses and venues that understand this. I love supporting everyone I have listed below for this reason. If you have had a positive experience with a local business or vendor, please reach out and let me know so we can spotlight them here!
One of the hardest things we struggled with Max early on was how much he hated having his hair cut. Most children's salons are bright, loud, chaotic. It was always such a stressful experience for Max. That was until we found Ability Cuts. Elizabeth is so wonderful with her clients. She has a sensory bin, a TV, and the patience of a saint. She grew up with a brother with special needs and recognized the need for a specialty salon.
The only thing more difficult for Max than getting a haircut has been going to the dentist. We have been fortunate enough to find this incredible practice who have made any accommodation we have needed with Max. I cannot recommend them enough.
Most kids with autism have high sensory needs. A perfect way to meet that for them is an indoor gym that practices inclusion. We Rock the Spectrum is exactly that. They have several locations in Tennessee with a single day pass or membership type of arrangement. They offer birthday parties as well.
Bridgestone is certified sensory friendly. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads are available to all guests at the arena who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. They also have access to a dedicated sensory room.
Nissan Stadium has also added a sensory room for anyone needing a quiet space to reset. It is equipped with bean bags, visual light panels, activity panels, bubble walls, and custom tactile artwork which was actually created by an autistic artist. It is located in the north endzone of Nissan Stadium.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is any venue we have had great success with. They offer Zooper packs which include ear plugs, a sensory friendly map, fidgets, a visual schedule. They also have a list of social stories available for you to show your child ahead of time geared towards specific attractions.
The First Art Museum has started offering "Take A Break" kits which have a weighted lap pad, noise-cancelling headphones, disposable headphone covers, a timer, tangle and sensory tube fidgets, and sanitizing wipes. The kits are available to check out in Martin ArtQuest on the upper level. They also offer select sensory friendly hours.
The NCT is unique in that the sensory room they have designed allows the guest to still view the show. Their website does a fantastic job of describing the sensory room and everything it offers.
Several Urban Air locations participate in sensory friendly hours geared specifically at autistic children. According to their website, the location's calendar should list these.
The Adventure Science Center has clearly put a lot of thought into making their experience as enjoyable for any special needs guests. They offer a sensory map, social stories, a visual schedule, a First/then board, and a choice board.
Yes Chuck E Cheese is still around! Luckily they have done away with the terrifying mechanical characters at the front of the stage. They also offer "Sensory Sundays" where the facility is more dimly lit and the noise level is reduced. We have not tried Sensory Sundays but I would love to hear your experience with it good or bad!
The Nashville Symphony has family concerts that are ALL sensory friendly. They have flexible seating, closed captioning, ASL interpreting, fidgets, social stories and even provide headphones.
Regal Cinemas offers "My Way Matinees" on select Saturdays each month. The volume is turned down in the theater and kids are encouraged to move around to make themselves comfortable while watching. Here in middle TN we have two Regal cinemas that participate in this program. These two cinemas are located in Opry Mills and in Hendersonville.