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Bright lights, loud music and crowds are regular attractions at amusement parks and fairs but for some the stimuli can be overwhelming.
Behavioral and intellectual support resource, Damar Services will have sensory bags for children on or off the autism spectrum who attend the Indiana State Fair.
“The sensory bags include things like sunglasses, earplugs and fidget toys,” Chief Strategy Officer Jenny Peters said. “So that if a child feels like, ‘this feels too much for me,’ they can step over to guest relations, grab a bag, and then be supported throughout their experiences at the fair.”
The bags can be picked up at the fair’s guest relations area. Peters said maps marking 10 air-conditioned sites on the fairgrounds where families can go if a child or loved one is feeling uncomfortable.
“So, if they're feeling overstimulated, and they just need a break, these are going to be really nice areas,” Peters said.
An interactive sensory wall with various textures, sounds and colors to invoke calm, reduce stress and increase focus is also available.
Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Terri Dee at tdee@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @terrideeisme.
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