OdySea Aquarium – Certified Autism Center
OdySea Aquarium is the first attraction in Arizona to be a Certified Autism Center! This means that visitors who have children with autism and other sensory differences, can enjoy and experience the aquarium in the best possible way.
photo credit: Lauren Crites (OdySea)
“We know families with children on the autism spectrum often find it challenging when choosing an attraction to visit,” said Greg Charbeneau, Vice President and General Manager at OdySea Aquarium. “Our mission to connect visitors with the wonders of the ocean has no exclusions. We have always made the necessary accommodations to make all guests as comfortable as possible – on every visit. This certification was a natural step for us as we continue to provide safe, engaging and memorable experiences for all of our guests.”
OdySea Aquarium was previously PAL certified and they hope their continued training will help parents know they want the aquarium to be an enjoyable experience for everyone!
About OdySea Aquarium:
Scott J DeNicola says
What a fantastic thing for a child with Autism to experience. Kudos to OdySea Aquarium for doing this! Love it !
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Karen says
This is phenomenal. I have a “child” – he’s 17 now, on the Autism Spectrum, and it was so hard to find accommodating attractions when he was younger. We found ways to make visits work to the zoo, science museum, and aquarium, but it would’ve been so helpful if those places helped by making accomodations!
Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women says
It’s great that more and more, the awareness of the needs of those with autism is growing to the extent where large businesses like this aquarium make this commitment. Hopefully, many more attractions and businesses will follow in their footsteps.
Tracy C says
How awesome! I’d love to read more about the accommodations they’ve made to make the aquarium more accessible for those with autism. I wish mainstream teachers had more training about this condition so that we could make appropriate changes if needed.
Elizabeth | Tired Mom Supermom says
This is amazing for anyone to experience! What a beautiful place that is full of wonder and excitement.
Sarah Emery says
Great post on bringing to light that OdySea Aquarium has no exclusions. Hopefully more and more businesses will follow suit.
Erica (The Prepping Wife) says
This is such a great thing to read about! I don’t know much about autism, honestly. But it is really great to see this kind of a business stepping out of the normal and making such accommodations to make it a great experience, even for those who are different. I hope to see more of this in the future!
Despite Pain says
This is so good. It’s a shame when children with autism or other disabilities miss out. Well done to OdySea for thinking of them.
Sonia Seivwright says
This is brilliant. OdySea, well done. I am pleased to read out the work and how companies are actually doing something to help children with disabilities.
Lindsay Brown says
What a wonderful option to have! I am so happy to hear that more businesses are accommodating for autism. I think it is so important for every child to experience these types of activities so it is great that OdySea has taken the leap to do so. I hope that more companies like this follow suit!
Alexandra Christensen says
I think this is so great! I have kids who have Sensory Processing Disorders and it is just awesome that people have come up with something like this for kids with special needs. I’m so glad you post places like this! Now to see if we have this in Florida!
Snehal says
Glad to know that there is a special aquarium for kids with autism to enjoy. And have a great experience! 🙂
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Live Learn Better says
Thank you for this wonderful info about great attractions with consideration for kids with special needs.
Kaye says
I had no idea Arizona had the Top Aquarium!! I always thought it would be a place like Monterey Bay Aquarium–I’ve never been there but Discover channel is always outlining it, so I always assumed. I’m excited to learn about this one though, what a great place to beat the heat and provide quality education!
Charmaine Daisley says
Hats off to OdySea for being an advocate for children with autism! I have first-hand insight into the sensory challenges of children with autism, and I’ve witnessed some intolerance in public spaces. So I’m always happy when there are moves like this one to create seamless inclusion and tolerance of all children.
Thuy says
I love the influx of Autism friendly venues and events at theatre nights and aquariums. It gives me hope that people are starting to understand Autism and are becoming more inclusive.
Lyosha says
I love aquariums! It is so beautiful! I never knew this place might be challenging for families with autistic members , it’s great they work to make a great place for such kids, it is very important
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Debra Roberts says
How awesome is that! My sister is raising her autistic grandson and I know she would love something like this to take him to. And who doesn’t love the beauty and serenity of aquariums!