Exploring Our Way Autism Partnership Program

DOVER -On the first Sunday of every month during the school year, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire invites families with children on the autism spectrum to the museum for a free visit from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Exploring Our Way provides opportunities to enjoy family time at the museum in a safe, understanding environment, allows parents to network with one another, and will help families discover new resources. Exploring Our Way nametags will be available at the front desk to encourage families to get to know each other and to help connect with families near them. Exploring Our Way guests are welcome to stay and play when the museum opens at noon for the general public.

Some resources available to children and parents include MAPPS (Museum Advance Planning Picture Stories), visual supports using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), a Children's Museum of New Hampshire map, and more. Downloadable PDF documents of these resources are available on the museum's website if visitors wish to plan their trip in advance. A recent museum visitor stated, "My best friend and I brought her child with Autism (age 5) and his brother (age 7). The kids were so excited and had so much fun playing with all the 'hands on activities' and meeting other children with similar disabilities."

The next Exploring Our Way will be Sun., April 2. Siblings are welcome and adults must supervise children at all times. To learn more about Exploring Our Way, visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire website, or the Exploring Our Way Facebook page for updates on events as well as helpful resources. Exploring Our Way is generously supported by Eversource, H.O.P.E. Behavioral Consulting and the Finlay Foundation.