A few years ago, a donor reached out to the New Mexico BioPark Society to ask if they would consider doing autism-friendly programming of the activities New Mexicans know and love. Since then, the city has offered one or two nights during special events specifically aimed at being low sensory, and the aquarium is another place offering special nights.
Tickets are capped at for two different entry times, which will help stagger crowds to prevent the aquarium from getting crowded. To help keep guests comfortable, the aquarium will offer a variety of tools meant to help them relax. Guests can check out tools like fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones and other items that can help take the mind off of any overwhelming stimuli. The public is also allowed to bring whatever items aid in keeping them happy and comfortable, as long as the items aren't weaponry or made of glass.
For the aquarium adult night, guests will be treated to one free Baileys hot chocolate cocktail complete with assorted toppings like a churro, vanilla mint, espresso and more, or a hot chocolate bar with toppings depending on their preference. Staff will also bring out educational tools like shark teeth or sea turtle shells, and have various artifacts for guests to engage in during their aquarium visit.
Everyone seems to have a lot more patience and nobody gets funny looks and everyone is just part of the community. You can reach staff writer Nakayla McClelland via email at nmcclelland abqjournal. There are a few things I wish I had known before my first cruise with my family.
Next time, I'll turn my phone on airplane mode and pack formal wear. Carnival Cruise Line has a warning for passengers while its sister line Princess Cruises fights another norovirus outbreak. Melissa Noble took what was meant to be an epic Christmas vacation to Bali with 18 family members.
