Autism Friendly Nights in April

In April, four of Louisville’s biggest attractions will be celebrating Autism Awareness Month in a special way. In partnership with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT), Kentucky Derby Museum, Frazier History Museum, Muhammad Ali Center and Kentucky Science Center will each host a FREE Autism Friendly Night. The announcement was made this morning at a press conference at Muhammad Ali Center. Autism Friendly Nights will provide children, adults and their families with opportunities to get out and experience these popular attractions in way that is more comfortable and accommodating for individuals with autism. Due to sensory and social differences, it can be very difficult for these families to enjoy museums and other popular attractions during regular hours.

According to Mayor Greg Fischer, “Compassion is one of our city’s guiding principles, along with lifelong learning and health, and we define compassion as working to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full human potential.” The mayor is a strong supporter of the Autism Friendly Nights. He also helped FEAT in launching an Autism Friendly Business Initiative. As proponents of fun for ALL families, Louisville Family Fun joined the initiative and became a certified Autism Friendly Business earlier this month.

“With the rate of autism rising and currently affecting 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys), the Autism Friendly Business Initiative and events like Autism Friendly Nights, not only encourage inclusion in our community, offer ways to effectively accommodate the needs of the growing and underserved autism population,” said Deborah Morton, Executive Director of FEAT of Louisville. The goal of the initiative is to spread awareness and increase acceptance and understanding of autism in our community.

 

The special Autism Friendly Nights will be from 5 – 7pm:

• Monday, April 2nd Kentucky Derby Museum
• Monday, April 9th Frazier History Museum
• Monday, April 16th Muhammad Ali Center
• Tuesday, April 24th Kentucky Science Center

More information regarding support, education and programming for families with autism can be found on the FEAT website and Facebook page. Many autism-friendly events, such as the Outrunning Autism 5K and Fun Walk, can be found on our calendar.

By Guest Contributor: Brandy