Introduction

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a hard time with everyday living due to overstimulation of lights, sounds, and various sensations. Things that are loud, overly bright or create sensory issues can trigger meltdowns due to being overwhelmed, as simple things such as bright lights in the bathroom or loud music at a park can overstimulate a child with ASD. It is important for the children with ASD to experience social settings without parents fearing these meltdowns due to overstimulation.

As children with ASD have various sensory differences, it is important to know that your community is there to help. You and the family can enjoy many sensory-friendly activities in the GTA and Durham Region that cater to the needs of people with varying abilities. If your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is important that you find these activities in your area so that your child will have appropriate social activities and environments to socialize in with minimal meltdowns due to sensory overwhelm.

What makes activities Autism-Friendly?

There are many sensory differences for children with ASD, as there are times when the senses may be over- or under-sensitive, or both, which can affect how they feel and act, and they can profoundly influence their lives. These involve the five senses of touch, hearing, sight, taste and smell. Some things that make activities sensory and autism friendly include quiet and low-sensory environments. This means they lower music and outside noises, have minimal lights, and sensory-friendly activities are available. There are also visual supports to help children or families, and structured or predictable routines are available.

In these environments, there are typically trained staff who understand the needs of your child, so this can make you and your child feel less judged. There are accessible washrooms, stairs, ramps, or other accommodations that are available to your child. Some places even allow exclusive times incorporated for children with ASD or who are on the spectrum.Shorten with AI

Autism-Friendly Activities in Toronto:

1. Toronto Zoo – Sensory-Friendly Days and Accessibility

At the Toronto Zoo, there are accessible parking spaces, all pavilions are wheelchair accessible, there are free wheelchairs, automated entry systems on washroom and pavilion doors, ramps in lieu of stairs, washrooms for people with special needs, and accessible seats available on rides such as Zoomobile and carousel rides. There is a 50% admission discount and, if required, one support person receives complimentary admission. They include a sensory map that shows quiet zones and more, and rentals for a sensory bag that provides headphones, fidgets, and more. On the website, there is a social story to prepare your child for the Zoo.

2. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The ROM provides accesible services and accomodation including having a free support person with an Access2Entertainment card. The ROM includes interactive exhibits with lower sound and lighting provided by sensory friendly tours. There are calm spaces and staff trained in ASD support. The ROM has accessible entrances, audio or visual guidance and more. The ROM library online provides families with visuals and other accessibility options.

3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Quiet Visits

On the first Sunday of every month, Ripleys provides sensory-friendly events, which offer welcoming lighting, a music-free environment, and a quiet room for guests who require a break. As a certified autism centre, all staff went through training to be sensory guides. Ripleys provides accessible areas such as elevators, ramps, and accessible washrooms.

4. Variety Village

Variety Village hosts Inclusive sports and recreational programs such as swimming, tae kwon do, hockey, track and field, and more.. They promote access, awareness, and adapted activities for children with various needs. The Multi-Sensory room supports children or individuals with learning, development, and engaging their senses at their own pace. They have trained staff and structured environments for kids at various levels so you do not have to fear judgement.

5. Toronto Public Library and other Library branches

The Toronto Public Library offers accessible spaces for varying abilities. Online, there is a social story to let children with ASD know what to expect. Accessible item at the library includes book stands, braille writers, print magnifier, computers with screen reader software, and more. Check online to see which branches offer these accessibility options. The Toronto Public Library and other branches offer drop-in programs for families as well.

There is a Sensory Room located at the S. Walter Stewart branch, which was created with children with sensory processing needs in mind. This room is open to all children under 12 to use with their parents or caregivers. Adult supervision is required, and the room is only available by booking it online.Shorten with AI

6. CN Tower

The CN Tower offers Low Sensory Mornings on scheduled days throughout the year. In partnership with Autism Ontario and Variety Village, we have adapted the CN Tower experience to provide our guests with sensory sensitivities further ways to enjoy their visit with no music, less traffic in the elevators, and accessibility to social stories and sensory-friendly bags.

Autism-Friendly Activities in Durham Region

1. Kids’ Safety Village (Whitby)

This is a great, structured, low-stress environment for children to learn about safety. They provide guided tours for small groups, which can be great for children with ASD in small cohorts. There are larger washrooms and better accessibility throughout. There are also accessible parking spots near the front doors.

2. Ability Centre (Whitby)

The Ability Centre provides an inclusive environment for families of varying abilities to provide sports, arts, and social programming. They offer financial assistance to those who cannot afford to pay a regular membership fee, and have highly trained staff and sensory supports in place. They also have a sensory room to help children with ASD have a calm moment.

3. The Flying Squirrel ( Whitby)

The flying squirrel is accessible to everyone. The staff is traines and every Tuesday the music is turned down for a more sensory friendly activity. Guests with special needs jump for $8 per hour and an aide/parent/caregiver can jump for free with them.

4. Autism Ontario – Durham Events

With Autism Ontario they are constantly providing regular community events tailored to different age groups. Family networking and supports are constantly updated and provided sometimes posted on Eventbrite. This can include events at NEBS Fun world and much more.

5. The Respite Club (Clarington)

The Respite Club is a calm indoor community space + sensory gym in Durham Region.It is a safe and sensory-friendly space you can drop in or rent the space for an outing. It is an allowable expense for Special Services At Home (SSAH) funding.

6. We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym (Coming to Oshawa)

This gym uses Play With A Purpose, which exercises and stimulates any of the seven senses through positive physical, emotional, and social development. These senses include sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, the vestibular system, and proprioception. The specially designed, sensory-safe equipment and the classes that are offered encourage children of varying abilities to engage in play and social activities.

Tips for Planning a Successful Outing:

When you are planning an outing with your family:

1. Always call ahead to check for accommodations that different community activities and places have. It is better to call ahead to ensure that you and your child can be accommodated.  
2. As a child with ASD needs routine and structure, using visual schedules or social stories from different places can prepare your child for what is to come. 
3. To help with sensory needs, ensure to pack comfort items or noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, or tactile toys for your child to feel comfortable in a different setting.
4.  Ensure to pack their preferred toys or snacks to reinforce positive behaviours. Encourage your child to have positive social interactions, as it can be hard to work on this in regular environments. These small steps can lead to greater impacts of social behaviour for your child and family.

Conclusion:

The creation of inclusive and supportive environments for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is not only feasible, but it is essential for their development. Families now have more opportunities than ever to enjoy outings without being concerned about sensory overload, thanks to sensory-friendly spaces and autism-aware staff in the GTA and Durham Region. There are many opportunities for children with autism spectrum disorder to thrive in social settings, with sensory-friendly activities and accommodations put at the forefront at museums, libraries, gyms, or recreational centers. Parents will find these activities to be beneficial and supportive. Families can empower their children to engage confidently with the world around them by planning, utilizing available resources, and choosing autism-friendly spaces.

Call To Action

Parents in Toronto, The GTA, or Durham Region, who stress raising a child with ASD, you should place a lot of importance on taking care of your mental health. At The Insight Clinic, many therapists can help you through virtual services in Toronto, or for in-person services, we are located in Whitby. At The Insight Clinic, we can help you manage burnout, depression, anxiety, and financial burdens, as well as provide resources for Autism & ABA therapy.

As a parent struggling with managing the behaviours of a child with autism, anxiety, or struggling with finding options for your child’s social needs, The Insight Clinic can provide you with a therapist to cope with the anxieties and struggles by using different therapy interventions. You can reach out today to book an appointment with our skilled and trained therapists to help you gain understanding and develop healthier coping strategies when you are feeling anxious or developing these maladaptive thought patterns.

In collaboration with The Insight Clinic, ABA Academy leads with a focus on excellence and focuses on providing Individual ABA interventions for your child’s growth in social, behavioural, and communicative growth. ABA Academy helps with social development by focusing on play, sharing, turn-taking, and understanding social cues. ABA Academy provides high-quality, individualized, and effective services to help your child grow and learn from a fully licensed and qualified BCBA. Reach out today to see if ABA Academy is the right fit for your child’s ABA services to help with their social needs.