The Best Activities For Autistic Children in London
It is estimated that around 700,000 people in the UK have a diagnosis of autism and that one in 100 children in the UK have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Thankfully London is an incredibly accommodating city with plenty of fun and friendly options for families with autistic children.
London Zoo
The zoo’s Sense-sational Days are a programme of events and activities especially created for children and young people with learning difficulties, their families and friends. This programme was developed specifically for people to share their experience of visiting the zoo in the company of people who face the same daily challenges with activities such as Dear Zoo story session for families, a Relaxed Opening, access to the Dear Zoo Trail and a more relaxed story session for Dear Zoo and Look After Us.
www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/whats-on/sense-sational-festival
London Transport Museum
The London Transport museum opens outside of regular hours on certain special days so that the Museum can be enjoyed at a quieter time, free from the general public, and with many of the gallery sounds turned off.
It’s a great opportunity to explore their All Aboard family spaces in peace, have a go at the holiday activities, get hands-on with genuine parts of transport history, and make use of the sensory bags that are there to support exploring the collection.
www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/family-send-explorer-events
National History Museum
The natural history museum offers ‘Dawnosaurs’ - a free event for children with neurodiverse conditions (including autism and other sensory processing difficulties) enabling them to enjoy the Museum with their families and siblings, free from the hustle and bustle of the general public. Visitors get access to a wide range of galleries and activities, supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.
www.nhm.ac.uk/events/dawnosaurs.html
The Science Museum
Here you can experience Early Birds; a sensory friendly event for families with members who need a quieter environment to enjoy the museum. This event is suitable for those who benefit from visiting the museum in a quiet, calming setting (for example, individuals with autism spectrum conditions or sensory processing differences). Taking place on selected Saturdays and Sundays across the year, the museum opens exclusively before or after hours, and wherever possible they have adjusted operations and/or lowered volume levels on exhibits.
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/early-birds
Tower Bridge
Once a month on a Saturday, a Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, is held at Tower Bridge. The day is for those with with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers.
www.towerbridge.org.uk/your-visit/whats-on/relaxed-opening
National Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings
Autism friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed or sensory friendly screenings. Adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness. At least once a month ODEON, Cineworld, Vue, Showcase, Picturehouse and Everyman cinemas show popular films in an autism friendly environment, and independent cinemas can use our free training to host their own.
www.dimensions-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/autism-friendly-cinema-screenings/
Theatre Trips
Based in the heart of the West End, this theatre offers relaxed performances that are designed to provide an opportunity for young people with autism, learning disabilities or other sensory and communication needs who would benefit from a more relaxed environment.
With the aim of offering a supportive, understanding and welcoming atmosphere for all.
https://www.mousetrap.org.uk/relaxed
https://www.autism.org.uk/directory/s/society-of-london-theatre-relaxed-performances
If you visit any of these London hotspots let us know by tagging @londonlivingblog in your post.
Have a lovely weekend!
The London Living Editorial Team