More than ever before, schools and businesses are becoming aware of the special needs individuals with autism or sensory disorders require every day.
Dollywood, Dolly Parton's famous theme park, made history by becoming the first amusement park to create a calming room for people with autism who might need to take a break.
These children can become overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, and crowds of people.
Dollywood, the famous theme park founded by Dolly Parton in 1986, has become the first amusement park to have a "calming room" for individuals with autism or other sensory needs.
"The Calming Room is a quiet, relaxing environment where the Guest and his/her family can feel safe and at ease," says the park's website.
“(It) has very sensory-friendly objects in it, ones that kids would be using in their therapies for sensory integration,” said Maeghan Pawley with Autism Speaks in an interview with WKRN.
Before Dollywood introduced their calming room, theme parks weren't an activity option for the Schuler family.
This ensures that each family has some privacy. The park's ride accessibility hosts are happy to help families get set up in the room.
"We could have never stayed all day or my son wouldn't have enjoyed it if not for the calming room and accessibility pass. I would like to thank all the staff for making this a wonderful experience," said one TripAdvisor review.
"...the fact that Dollywood offers a calming room for people with autism and other disabilities & that they offer suggested rides for them as well. It's amazing to see that they take the time to offer that type of assistance," said another TripAdvisor review.
Their calming room is truly innovative and a great step towards inclusion for all guests.
Legoland in Florida has since introduced a number of spaces in its park for guests with sensory issues. These quiet rooms are equipped with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and Lego blocks.
