Too Much of a Good Thing

 

Credit: Kulture City

The attractions industry is made to excite the senses by design—loud and unexpected noises from fireworks and bands, the smell and taste of new and fun foods, and visually stunning artwork. Even neurotypical people can feel overwhelmed at times. You may consider theme parks the most likely to have sensory overload, but museums and zoos also present challenges for people with sensory sensitivities. While the atmosphere may, in general, be calmer than a theme park, there are still triggers. And because environments like museums are typically quiet, families often fear an outburst from their family member will cause a disturbance. Thinking through which experiences might cause sensory overload for people can help neurotypical and neurodivergent people navigate the experience and maximize their enjoyment of an attraction.

A quick note on our choice of words:

Image: PGAV Destinations. Definitions: University of Glasgow

All people react to the senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch, but people with neurodiversity or sensory processing disorders may have a lower tolerance to stimuli or react more strongly or uniquely. Overstimulation is a constant concern for these individuals. Sensory inclusion is an intentional effort to help guests with neurodiversity manage overstimulation more effectively. Providing information for planning an outing and coping strategies within the location are pieces of designing for sensory inclusion. Neurodiversity is often associated with autism but refers to various neurological differences like ADHD, Tourette’s, and other learning or developmental differences. While we often think of children, there are many adults with autism. Additionally, military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adults with dementia, people with Parkinson’s, and stroke victims may be impacted by sensory environments. It’s important to remember that while many programs, training, and accommodations focus on autism, those same resources benefit others with similar sensitivities.

Voice of the Visitor 2022, PGAV’s annual outlook on the attractions industry, showed nearly one-third of attractions visitors visited with a person with a cognitive disability in the last five years. This includes autism, memory loss, dementia, PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. These visitors indicated that having pre-planning information available and trained and accommodating staff would be the most helpful in navigating attractions.

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is a good resource for attractions looking to be sensory-inclusive. They provide Certified Autism Center (CAC) designations. The programs are industry-specific based on how visitors will interact with the space and employees—educating the staff includes teaching them how to be comfortable welcoming visitors with neurodiversity, and identifying and handling meltdowns and sensory overload. IBCCES consults with autism experts, including doctors and therapists, to establish guidelines and training. They also consult with individuals with autism and their families to give them better insight into what experiences may be triggering and what resources would be most helpful in planning and navigating the experience.

Sensory Guide at Sesame Place San Diego. Credit: IBCCES

Awareness, training, and the design of spaces enhance the guest experience. Meredith Tekin from IBCCES explains, “You don’t need a Ph.D. in autism, but having a helpful and knowledgeable staff allows them to be comfortable and engaging with visitors that might behave differently or have different needs. It helps give visitors the best experience overall.” She also says, “People have felt left out in the past, so it's really meaningful when an organization takes steps towards inclusion. They have a great experience and are loyal, coming back season after season because they feel comfortable. The ultimate goal is going beyond ADA to welcome as many people as possible and provide a great experience for as many people as possible.”

IBCCES recommends and helps create sensory guides. The guides rate attractions based on each of the five senses and what the impact on that sense would be. People will be sensitive to different things, so there are also notes on why the attraction is rated: flashing lights, bright colors, light transitions, strong smells, and noise. Posting the guides on the attraction website allows individuals and families to plan their day.

Sesame Place in San Diego and Sesame Place in Philadelphia are both examples of sensory-inclusive locations. Both are Certified Autism Centers, and at least 80% of the staff has undergone autism sensitivity training. Staff is required to undergo training every two years. The parks also offer pre-visit planning resources and park-specific sensory guides on the website. There are designated quiet spaces within the park that include rooms with adjustable lighting and soft finishes. Julia, a bright and curious Sesame Street character with autism, is also a park staple.

Quiet Room at Sesame Place San Diego. Credit: IBCCES

What could designing for people with sensory needs look like in our attractions?

Planning

  • Website: Provide planning resources like sensory guides and information on accessibility on your website to aid planning. Teaching stories like the one from Jet Blue or virtual walk-throughs can also help people prepare for the atmosphere. Provide clear information on what resources are available to families once they arrive—any advanced boarding options, meal choices, and rental equipment.

On the Go

  • Wayfinding: Many people appreciate signage and indication that spaces are transitioning. Using symbols instead of or in addition to words can also help indicate the type of space you’re moving through. Can you let people know that somewhere might be dark or have flashing lights?

  • Sensory bags: Kulture City assembles packs that include items like headphones, fidget tools, and weighted blankets. Ensure people know they are offered and where to pick them up.

Credit: Cleveland Metroparks

Time to Breathe

  • Quiet rooms and zones: The spaces should be easy to find and easy to access, and 2-3 small spaces throughout the destination may be preferable to one large, centrally located area. Consider the color palette and lighting—natural light is ideal. Also, consider that while the space should encourage relaxation, include things like fidget toys on the walls, puzzles, and comfortable seating. People should have some control over sound, light, and temperature.

  • Nature: People with autism and PTSD often respond well to nature, and it has a calming effect. Could you incorporate secluded seating areas with garden beds?

A person suffering from sensory overload or overstimulation is more likely to leave an attraction. Calm spaces help a person restore and reset, allowing them more opportunities to connect, make memories, and have fun.

For additional resources and training opportunities, contact IBCCES or Kulture City. For information on sensory issues like autism, anxiety, and PTSD, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.

Note: Throughout this series, we will follow the AP Style Book and use the term people of color when referring to people of any race other than non-Hispanic white. We sincerely apologize in advance if this choice creates discomfort, and we welcome any reader to contact us and continue the discussion.

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Destinology Team