Islington is one of the most crowded boroughs in London. For autistic children, the busy traffic and unpredictable environment can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult for parents to plan a relaxed day out.
Luckily, as more venues have begun accommodating the needs of neurodivergent people, several museums and event spaces now have activities planned just for autistic individuals.
Islington Now has found the best things to do for families with autistic children. Here’s our list:
Museums
Islington is the home of more than ten museums. All of them offer immersive environments for visitors to enjoy a quiet day out, but there are two museums that offer special services.
Working with Ambitious about Autism, the national charity for autistic children and young people, The Postal Museum has developed a range of events and resources for autistic and neurodiverse visitors. You can borrow sensory bags and ear defenders from the ticket desks.
There will also be an exclusive Post Early event at the cost of £3.50 on 8 April for autistic families to explore the collections in a relaxed environment.
Housed in a former Carthusian monastery, The Charterhouse Museum is the best option for budding young historians with special needs. Parents can borrow sensory packs from the reception. They also offer a visual story guide to help families to plan their visits.
The Gate Islington
Awarded the UK’s first autism-friendly restaurant by the National Autistic Society in 2016, The Gate is a pioneering plant-based restaurant with 35 years of history. It offers a vegetarian menu, with vegan and gluten-free options available for most dishes. Key staff in the restaurant have been trained in helping autistic guests feel more comfortable.
Islington Now is happy to announce that autistic followers of our Instagram, Facebook, and X [formerly Twitter] accounts will be able to enjoy a 20% discount at The Gate during the Neurodiversity Celebration Week that is celebrated from 18 to 24 March. The eligible dates and hours are:
– Mon 18 March to Tues 19 March, 5pm onwards
– Wed 20 March to Sat 23 March, 7pm onwards
– Sun 24 March, 10am onwards
Little Angel Theatre
Specialising in puppet plays, Little Angel Theatre is the ideal venue for imaginative children. It hosts regular relaxed performances designed for those sensitive to bright light and loud noises. A list of upcoming events can be found here.
Parents can also download a visual guide to the theatre to prepare their children for the experience before visits.
Community centres
Parents can also check their local community centres’ websites for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) children. St Luke’s Community Centre, for example, runs a fortnightly coffee morning for parents and carers of SEND children to relax and talk with others.
See more activities with SEND discounts here.
