Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASD, search for factors that put children at risk for ASD and possible causes and develop resources that help identify children with ASD as early as possible. 

Source: (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability  that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others need less.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.

Source: (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html)

An exciting and fast-moving effort is under way to create “Autism Friendly” spaces so that children and adults with autism can feel more supported and families can better enjoy visits to the theater, restaurants, and even just going out for ice cream. More businesses are tuning in to ways that they can provide welcoming spaces for individuals with autism and other related disabilities.

With about 1 in 44 individuals affected by autism and more than 3.5 million Americans living with autism, it’s important that our community and your business be ready to accommodate individuals and families affected by autism.

Many individuals with autism perceive sensory information such as sounds, smells, textures, tastes and sights differently. For example, certain sounds (fire alarms, vacuums, hair dryers, sirens) may be painful. Or perhaps particular smells (perfumes, candles, flowers, foods) may be overwhelming and distracting.  Each person is different and may benefit from different
accommodations - don’t be afraid to ask what might help your patrons/clients!

In addition to sensory accommodations, many people with autism will benefit from knowing what to expect when visiting your club, site or business.  Offering visual supports such as social narratives could help people with autism prepare for a visit. A social narrative is a visually represented story that outlines what a typical visit to your location or business might look like. 

• Accommodating sensory, communication, and social needs of individuals with ASD.
• Having staff trained to be aware of different needs and offer assistance and support.
• Reducing the amount of sensory stimuli so that individuals with autism can tolerate being in a space.
• Responding to feedback and suggestions from the autism community.

HOW to help with Sensory Modifications:

Olfaction/Smell
• Encourage staff to be fragrance/perfume free
• Eliminate air fresheners and scented candles
• Use scent-free cleaners

Proprioceptive Tactile
Proprioceptive sense: knowing where your body is in space
• Communicate any structural differences that may cause someone to trip or fall
• Clearly define walkways
• Double check rugs to make sure they are secure
• Offer a weighted blanket or lap pad
• Provide visuals of your building that highlights key areas (restrooms, exits, stairs, sensory areas, etc.)
• Provide 360° tours online to help customers visualize space and map out needs before they visit
• Provide easy access to small hand fidgets (i.e. squishy, soft, & textured)
• Ask before touching. For example, “May I shake your hand?” or “May I touch your wrist to take your pulse?”
• Avoid unnecessary touch

Visual
• Reduce lighting (or increase if too dark)
• Avoid use of overhead fluorescent lighting
• Use natural light or lamps whenever possible
• Turn off televisions or flashing lights/signs

 Auditory/Hearing
• Reduce and limit background music
• Provide seating away from kitchens, snack bars, or other areas where there tends to be unexpected noises
• Offer noise cancelling headphones
• Provide a quiet place to take breaks
• Lower the volume to any sound that cannot be eliminated entirely

• Quiet Buildings – Autistic individuals usually love quiet spaces, but quiet buildings/offices/libraries also tell people to BE quiet.  The irony is that the autistic individual may make noise themselves, possibly by talking to themself or moving around. Becoming autistic friendly this needs to be recognized and tolerated.

•  Help Prepare Your Child for Trips, Visits, and Outings

  Visiting autism friendly places will help make going out easier for families with children with autism, but there are also ways you can ensure the best possible outcome for these visits. 

  • Call ahead to the venue you plan to visit and ask what accommodations they have available for people with disabilities. You can discuss possible ways the space might be used to accommodate your child, such as asking where a quiet space is located so that you can take your child there if they feel overwhelmed.
  • Prepare a “tool box” such as a small backpack filled toys or other items that will help your child stay calm. Consider bringing noise canceling headphones or sunglasses if your child is sensitive to sounds or bright lights. Have a few favorite snacks available.
  • Visit a location’s website with your child to help them prepare. You can go over your plans for the day and look at pictures of where you are going. If you would like to go to a concert or theater performance, look for recordings to play for your child to show them what it will be like and to note their reactions.
  • Model and practice the best way to ask for a break in case your child feels too overwhelmed. If your child is non-verbal, you can utilize visual tools to communicate this such as colored cards.

Use sequencing cards that will help your child understand what visiting a venue will be like. Photographic images work the best because they give your child a realistic sense of what will happen and what the venue will look like. As you show your child the visual sequencing cards walk them through the order in which events will happen: “First we will take a bus, etc.

Assistance and Resources 

Helping Adults with Autism Perform and Excel, known as HAAPE

The University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities     UM - NSU CARD

Nicklaus Children's Dan Marino Outpatient Center in Weston

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program 
The mission is to provide a discreet way for adults and children with hidden disabilities to show they need additional support or just a little more time with airport processes.

Communication Boards are being installed at several City playgrounds. 

Landscape Structures’ Symbol Communication Signs includes pictures representing nouns/pronouns, verbs, feelings, activities, and playground events as well as letters and numbers. 

Pictures and symbols are an effective way for non-verbal, speech-challenged, early-learning individuals, and those who speak a different language to communicate with friends and caregivers. Placing a Symbol Communication Sign at the entrance to a play area helps everyone to express themselves! 

The graphics are simple and two-dimensional, which is helpful to those with visual processing challenges. They are arranged left-to-right as one would build a sentence with industry-standard colors representing different types of words. Additionally, symbols are placed on a black background to be easier to read for those with visual impairments.

Parks in Weston with Communication Boards (Location Map):

Bonaventure Park - 520 Racquet Club Road

Emerald Estates Park - 16400 Emerald Estates Drive

Gator Run Park - 1101 Park Boulevard

Peace Mound Park - 1300 Three Village Road 

Tequesta Trace Park - 600 Indian Trace 

Additional City parks will be receiving Communication Boards in the future. 

These maps will help identify what to expect when visiting a building in the City of Weston.
Additional City facilities are forthcoming.

• City Hall
• Weston Community Center