Lewiston - NOTL News
Posted by Thomas Gerbasi
PARTNERING FOR AUSTISM
There were few programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Niagara County. The Rotary Club of Lewiston/Niagara-On-The-Lake along with the Police and Fire Departments of Niagara Falls provide financial support for the Aquarium of Niagara’s Au-Some Aquarium program, developed in partnership with the Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo (WCHOB) and occupational therapy students at D’Youville College. The Program is the first of its kind in Niagara County aimed at increasing cultural accessibility, promoting autism awareness and providing a safe and supportive environment for fun and socialization for families with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
Sensory challenges are common to approximately 75% of individuals with autism and this sometimes makes everyday sights, sounds and activities overwhelming to them. The Au-Some Aquarium Program allows families with ASD children to experience the aquarium in a more low-key and private setting. The program addresses ASD sensitivities by limiting the number of patrons; offering noise muffling headphones; modifying the sea lion show with minimal sound and no flashing lights; providing a quiet, calm space and incorporating sensory-friendly activities, such as the touch tank.
Au-Some Aquarium will be held one night per month from 6-8 p.m. Check the Aquarium of Niagara’s website, www.aquariumofniagara.org, for dates. The program is free to families with autism who are members of the Aquarium and $10 per family for non-members (financial scholarship is available).
(Thanks to the WCHOB and the Aquarium Of Niagara - much of the material in this article is taken from their joint press release April 13 2016).