Theme Parks... Must Do or Sensory Nightmare?


Many kids (and adults) would jump at the chance to visit a theme park and while certainly not cheap, there’s no disputing the fact that they can be hard to top when it comes to sheer entertainment and fun.

But all that excitement comes at a cost when you’ve got kids with sensory issues, so before you take your autistic kids on that roller coaster let's weigh up the pros and cons.



THE NEGATIVES

 They’re overwhelming for sensory-avoiding kids
Rides are highly stimulating (spinning, motion, music, screaming, lights) and even the mellowest of theme parks is crowded, noisy and chaotic.

There’s little respite from the sensory onslaught
Some theme parks are better at this than others, but finding a quiet spot away from all that input can be tricky.

There’s a lot of lining up
Waiting can be super hard for autistic kids, and some can have difficulty being that physically close to people they don’t know.

You need stamina
Theme park days are long and tiring, and all those hours spent on your feet being mentally bombarded are enough to send anyone into meltdown.


THE POSITIVES

They’re awesome for sensory-seeking kids
The crowds and noise will still be overwhelming but the rides are sensory heaven, especially for those that crave vestibular stimulation (spinning).

They have maps and schedules
Every theme park is laid out in an orderly way, which should really appeal to those autistic kids who love order and routine.

You can make the day as repetitive as they want
If your daughter loves a particular ride she can do it twenty times in a row (the patience and needs of the rest of the family notwithstanding), and each time will be exactly the same.

The food is common and predictable
It might be the highlight of their day if your selective eaters like their food bland and familiar.


THE BOTTOM LINE

If you’ve never taken your autistic kids to a theme park before and you’re not sure how they’ll react, take it slowly.

Aim for just a taste on their first visit - stay for an hour or two so you can gauge their reaction. If it turns out to be too much for them then you won’t ruin your entire trip, but if they love it then you’ll still have a great memory and something to plan future holidays around.

Even if they've been so many times that they can draw the roller coaster tracks in their sleep, be sensible and don’t overdo it. Spread out your visit, spending just a few hours there each day so you can bail before it gets to be too much.

And remember to balance all that stimulation with low-key rest activities like swimming in the hotel pool or taking an afternoon nap.
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