Unison Parenting Blog: Daily Inclusion Options for Autistic/Sensory-Sensitive Kids

Kids with autism and sensory issues have a growing number of options for participation. Our culture is moving from autism and sensory awareness to inclusion. KultureCity® is playing an important role in this change.

KultureCity, based in Alabama but with nationwide reach, offers a Sensory Inclusive® certification for businesses, organizations, and venues willing to serve those with autism and sensory processing challenges. Such challenges can also be experienced by individuals with PTSD, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke, to name a few.

The key to the Sensory Inclusive program is to allow daily inclusion of such individuals, not limited to special events. It’s encouraging to see how many special events are being created, but daily inclusion is even more significant.

For example, a LEGO store near me has attained the Sensory Inclusive certification. You can visit the store virtually on the KultureCity website or app to prepare for your trip. A sequence of photos shows your child what to expect, including play options and assistance personnel. The preparation photos unpack a Sensory Inclusive Bag you can request when entering. The kit includes headphones, fidget tools, strobe-reducing glasses, visual cue cards, and a lanyard identifying your child as someone needing a little extra support, space, or time.

According to KultureCity. org, one in four individuals in the U.S. has a sensory processing need. Programs like this are vital for daily inclusion. More than three thousand organizations are certified as Sensory Inclusive.

To learn more about options in your area, explore KultureCity. org. You might encourage your favorite businesses and venues to learn about the Sensory Inclusive certification.

Autistic Barbie photo is shared by Colleen Sturtevant under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Its link is in the comments.