In April, we recognize Autism Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, focus on acceptance and celebrate neurodiversity in our community.
What is autism?
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People diagnosed with ASD behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that are different from most other people. They also have a wide range of abilities. In some people, an ASD diagnosis has little impact on everyday social skills, while others may have difficulty interacting with others or are nonverbal.
Sensory-friendly Central Florida attractions
Central Florida is home to plenty of sensory-friendly attractions and certified autism centers. I’ve listed a few below.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of a few Certified Autism Centers in Central Florida. As a Certified Autism Center, the space complex provides specialized and trained front-line team members to better assist those with special needs, sensory guidance signage around the complex and designated low sensory areas where guests with sensory sensitivities can take a break and relax.
LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida is the first LEGOLAND park in North America to become a certified autism center. Throughout the park, there are four quiet spaces and multiple sensory guide signs. Each attraction has a 1-10 rating for smell, taste, sound, sight and touch.
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience offers Sensory Sundays on select dates throughout the year. On these days, there will be dimmed lights, no music and a quiet room.
There are many more sensory-friendly attractions in Central Florida. For a full list, click here.
What do people in the ASD community want you to know?
From teachers to therapists to people diagnosed with ASD, those who are entrenched in the autism community want neurotypical people to understand a few things about neurodivergent people’s daily experiences.
- Boys are diagnosed with autism at a higher rate than girls. This might not reflect true prevalence though, girls may be underdiagnosed. [Source]
- Autism doesn’t “look” a certain way. It’s possible you are interacting with people diagnosed with ASD every day and just don’t know it.
- People with autism have brains that are wired differently than neurotypical people, but that doesn’t mean they require any less love or support than others.
You can read more about what people in the autism community want you to be aware of here!
Thank you for taking the time to read and become more aware of Central Florida’s diverse autistic community.
Next month is Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month, please come back to learn about their rich culture! If you have any tips, feedback, or questions, please feel free to reach out to me at bellis@wkmg.com!
