Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -MAS in Antwerp hosts an event made specifically for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through Tourism for Autism, they have organised permanent exhibition access that meets their needs.
An ASD-specific event for children with autism spectrum disorder will take place at Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) in Antwerp. Organised by Tourism for Autism, the initiative, titled “Come AUT & Play,” allows children with ASD to explore the museum’s permanent exhibition, “Someone at home?” in a low-stimulus environment. Tourism for Autism organised the event to help people with ASD enjoy cultural activities through steps like visual guides and rest areas, which decrease sensory overload and anxiety.
MAS event establishes an environment that provides predictable comforts for children who have ASD. The museum offers adjusted access to the exhibition area through trained guides while providing visual step-by-step pathways to help visitors move through the space and private entry points to reduce sensory stress. When individuals need downtime, there are rest corners that include sensory materials and noise-cancelling headphones.
Sien Depoortere, founder of Tourism for Autism, emphasises the importance of raising awareness among staff and providing rest areas, stating,
“No public location can be completely ASD-friendly, but small adjustments can make a world of difference.”
Through the event, participants can connect socially with each other as children with ASD alongside their families, get to meet and exchange experiences.
What is the context behind the Autism-Friendly Museum event?
Tourism for Autism was launched in 2018 under the leadership of Sien Depoortere, who holds both psychology and tourism credentials to conduct events for autistic visitors at MAS.
While studying, Depoortere discovered crucial limitations in ASD-friendly culture at Flanders museums because these establishments lacked proper accommodations for ASD users. Tourism Flanders provided financial backing for Depoortere to launch Tourism for Autism, which trains and advises tourism businesses to make simple yet effective changes serving people with ASD.
The organisation now hosts events like “Come AUT & Play,” which aim to make cultural experiences more inclusive while fostering social connections and self-development among participants. According to Depoortere, people can connect with other visions and people through culture. People who lack entry remain unable to benefit from developmental possibilities.
