Claire Madge, Autism in Museums

It is a strange time to be launching a refreshed autism resource with Kids in Museums. Although it can be difficult to focus on the experience of autistic visitors in museums when the whole country is in lockdown, what it does give us is time to reflect on the last few years since the resource was first published in 2016.

In the last year alone, larger institutions such as the British Museum and British Library have been opening early for autism families for the very first time, to complement existing programmes from the Natural History Museum and Science Museum.

Other museums like the London Transport Museum have been listening to visitors and shaping their offer to provide access to relaxed sessions after hours too.

It has been good to see consideration given to ticketed exhibitions with the V&A Museum, Saatchi Gallery and Liverpool Museums reducing visitor numbers for some sessions.

Kids in Museums has proved a supportive partner in facilitating Autism in Museums training sessions in London, Liverpool and Wales, where museums of all shapes and sizes have come together to learn about visual stories.

We have been delighted to share case studies from small museums making a difference including Valence House Museum and Cynon Valley Museum. I am proud that we have ensured autistic voices are heard and listened to at every session we have run.

I have seen the growth of events submitted to the Autism in Museums website, which highlights how many museums are really thinking about their offer to autism families. There has definitely been a change in the range and variation of events run across the country.

Visual supports including sensory maps and visual stories are becoming a feature of many websites, supporting many different types of audiences. The concept of support within the museum has also taken hold with permanent ‘Quiet Rooms’ in two new major museum redevelopments at the RAF Museum in London and the V&A Dundee.

Sensory backpacks, offering fidget toys, torches and ear defenders, are also currently available at a number of museums, including the National Army Museum and National Museums Scotland, showing an understanding of the range and variation of visitor needs.

It is important to celebrate all this vital and important work, but it is also important to acknowledge there is still a lot more that can be done to make sure autism families have access to a regular and consistent offer.

Our updated resource provides a step-by-step framework to help you think about what you can do with a large or small museum to make a difference. The current homeworking of many museum teams is understood and reflected with a list of resources accessible from home that can assist with learning and understanding more about autism.

This blog is a chance for me to thank you for all your hard work and encourage you to keep going. The final word goes to a family I met while they were visiting a museum for the very first time. They reflected that “autism openings have revolutionised museums for us”. I hope this resource will help you become a part of that revolution. Thank you to everyone who helped shape this resource.

 

Read the new resource, Autism in Museums: Welcoming young people and families.

We will be hosting a #MuseumHour discussion at 8pm on Monday 6 April about autism in museums. Join in and share your experiences using the hashtag.