These types of programs offer community outings with the peace of mind. Parents and staff members are understanding of specific sensitivities and will lend a helping hand should your child become overwhelmed. Many of these programs have volunteers that are on hand to offer a lending hand if needed. For specific information please refer to the websites linked at the end of the event description.
Theater Development Fund - Autism Friendly Performances:
TDF Autism Friendly Performances present Broadway musicals in an environment that is sensitive of the individual needs of all children and adults. For a current list of performances please visit https://www.tdf.org/nyc/40/Autism-Theatre-Initiative
Discovery Squad
Discover the Museum of Natural History in a caring and friendly guided tour specifically for children diagnosed with ASD. Advanced registration is required. The Discovery Squad tours are held before the museum opens to the general public and it’s free! For information and tour availability please visit: https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Early Morning Access Program
The Intrepid Museum offers Early Morning Openings and Sensory Friendly Evenings for individuals with autism eight times a year. By opening its doors early for children (ages 3-18) and their families or keeping the doors open at night for teens (14+) and adults, participants can experience the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment. In the morning, educators lead short, interactive tours designed for all learners, as well as drop-in art activities and structured social/play opportunities. In the evening, specific areas of the Museum are open for self-exploration. For more information visit: https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/education/early-morning-openings
Music for Autism
Music for Autism is enhancing quality of life and raising public awareness through free, autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. For more information on local dates and events, please visit: www.musicforautism.org
Extreme Kids & Crew
Extreme Kids & Crew is a welcoming space where children with disabilities, their friends, and their families, socialize, create and play. We are a community center, not a service provider. We do not offer therapy, but a play-space where families share resources, stories, tears, and laughter while children play and take part in inclusive arts programming that is open to all members of the family. We are A SPACE TO BE. For more information visit: www.extremekidsandcrew.org/
Theraplay NYC
Theraplay is a specialized sensory gym and therapy clinic providing pediatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and play therapy. We believe that all children are unique and deserve a treatment plan that is specific to their individual needs using fun and play to facilitate function and progress. For more information visit: theraplaynyc.com/
Subway Sleuths
Let your little conductor explore in this specially crafted and carefully screened 10-session workshop exploring all things locomotive. Kids work together to solve transit mysteries, play motivating games and learn how the system works. It is set at the Transit Museum in small classes while the museum is closed to the public. Groups bring together second- and third-graders; and fourth- and fifth-graders. www.nytransitmuseum.org/learn/subwaysleuths/
*More events and classes will be posted as they become available. Be sure to check back monthly for new additions!
Author:
Kathy Arevalo
Kathy is our Autism Analyst Specialist that works closely with families and children in our organization. She believes all children deserve to experience all that this wonderful city has to offer regardless of disabilities.