…It was the Spy Museum’s first Autism Access Day, as the museum opened its doors Sunday to 450 select guests – people with autism spectrum disorders and sensory-processing differences – and their families. And the museum, brimming with secrets and surprises about the shadowy underworld of spying, embarked on what it called ‘Mission Possible’ to get ready for the big event.
The tweaks included lowering the volume at some exhibits, dimming lights in others and eliminating stimuli that might disturb people on the autism spectrum. Quiet areas were mapped out across multiple floors.
“But it’s still exciting,” said Molly Whalen, whose children have autism and sometimes become reserved in response to crowds, loud noises and other stimuli. “It’s just the sensory-feeling opportunities are so awesome. . . . It allows you to do something like a family.”
Families raved about the lighter-than-usual crowds, welcoming environment and the learning opportunities for their children. Meanwhile, children soaked in the excitement of their surroundings.
…Stepping off the elevator, visitors were given the opportunity to go undercover. It was the Spy Museum, after all.
Hollie Robinson’s son, Riley, chose Billy Henderson, 14, as his alias.
“I really like eavesdropping,” the 10-year-old said.
For Sunday’s event, families were given pre-visit materials, so they knew what to expect. One packet, called ‘The social story,’ told visitors where to anticipate crowds, bright lights, loud noises and other stimuli. And a ‘sensory map’ noted the quiet areas, hands-on exhibits and ‘surprise areas’ where there might be environmental stimuli.
Roger Ideishi, director of the occupational therapy program at Temple University, who served as a consultant for the initiative, said the museum wanted to be sensitive to the families. One thing “that’s really important is creating a social environment that is supportive of these families,” he said. “These families often feel scrutinized when they come out in the public. And so they wanna be in a space that they feel safe and supported with the different needs that they have.”
Comfort was the main draw for Karrin Lukacs, 47, husband Michael, 42, and their 12-year-old son, also named Michael.
When they’re out in public, she said, they will sometimes feel uncomfortable because of how people react when their son makes noises in response to stimuli. For example, they became uneasy on a family trip to Universal Orlando, where they saw the Blue Man Group.
…But not at Sunday’s screening of the Spy Museum’s introductory film, even as son Michael reacted out loud.
“Not one person turned to give us a dirty look,” Karrin Lukacs said. “There’s no judgment.”
“It’s a safe space, all understanding folks here,” said Joshua Taylor, a training associate for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Autism Center for Excellence who served as a consultant for the event.
Funding from Northwest Federal Credit Union supported Sunday’s complimentary access day, organizers said. The museum hopes to make it a twice-a-year and, eventually, quarterly offering.
As the walk-throughs wound down and visitors had passed the Aston Martin and [other exhibits] they were surprised to find even more to take in…
