Once a month, the lights and sounds are turned down
MOST exhibits are designed to stimulate young thinkers, but now there's a way for children who can't take too much stimulation to enjoy them, too.
Children with sensory difficulties can have a tough time in places designed to stimulate the senses--like Syracuse's Museum of Science and Technology. But now, the MOST is doing a once a month 'Sensory Friendly Time,' adjusting exhibits to lower loud noises, eliminate flashing lights, and silence the air compressors that control some of the exhibits. Competing background sounds from overlapping exhibits are turned down or off. There's also an emphasis on 'quiet' areas like the planetarium, where participants can sit, relax and regroup.
Michele Hawthorne, a parent coordinator with the local Sensory Processing Disorder group, says the special museum sessions have brought in more guests than expected--200 at one session. The monthly events run about two hours, and cost the same a regular MOST admission. Michele says no 'documentation' is necessary, that the programs are open to any children who do better in quiet, low-key environments.
Gina Salvatore, an occupational therapist with Thrive by 5, which also works with SPD children, says setting up the toned down museum took hours at first, but now a checklist allows for the transformation fairly quickly. Some exhibits, like the heart, stay on full-strength because the rhythmic sound of the heartbeat can be soothing. Other exhibits are shut down completely, and some are on and off through the event time, to give participants variety, not overload. Guides are also on hand to help children and families 'anticipate' experiences.
Check the CNY SPD website for dates of upcoming MOST events, as well as other activities for children who have difficulties with overstimulating environments.
