Latest news with #sensory
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
In temples and churches, sensory rooms remove barriers for neurodivergent worshipers
MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (RNS) — From organ blasts and incense to forced hugs and hand shakes, for folks who struggle to process sensory input, houses of worship can quickly feel anything but holy. That was the case for Lark Losardo's son Percy, who in 2017 began attending Catholic Mass with his family at age 7. Percy, who is autistic, was often overwhelmed by the Brooklyn church's open space, noise and crowds. At first, when he needed to move around or stim (engage in repetitive actions to self-regulate), he'd leave the service with a parent. Eventually, in part because of the barriers to attending as a family, they stopped coming altogether. Then, in 2020, the Losardos moved to Maplewood, New Jersey. After watching online services at a nearby Catholic parish called St. Joseph's during the pandemic, Lark Losardo learned in 2024 that the parish was opening a sensory room equipped with regulation tools, including a weighted blanket, touch pillow, ear defenders and sound machine. Thanks to that room, today Percy is back in the pews, using the room to regroup whenever needed. "It speaks volumes,' Lark Losardo told Religion News Service. 'Not everyone needs this space, but just having it there sends a very clear message.' ___ This content is written and produced by Religion News Service and distributed by The Associated Press. RNS and AP partner on some religion news content. RNS is solely responsible for this story. ___ Across the U.S., families like Percy's who once thought worship was off-limits are returning to faith communities thanks to a small but growing number of sensory rooms in religious settings. Located in underutilized classrooms, storage spaces and former nurseries, these rooms vary in size and appearance, but are all designed to offer a calm, predictable environment that can help with nervous system regulation. Disability advocates say the rooms signal that a community prioritizes the needs of neurodivergent and disabled members. At St. Joseph's, the Rev. Jim Worth said the new sensory room, which opened in December, isa natural extension of the parish's faith values. To him, the room is evidence that inclusion — a principle Worth linked to Catholic social teaching — isn't just given lip service. 'When you put intentionality behind something, it makes a world of difference,' said Worth. On a 60-degree day in late March, the church, located on a quiet residential street, had a front stoop featuring three signs: one quoting Martin Luther King Jr., another quoting Pope Francis, and a third welcoming anyone in the community to visit the Still Waters Sensory Room. Named after the biblical Psalm 23 passage — 'he leads me beside still waters' — the sensory room was converted from an unused confessional. It was designed by Together We Bloom, a Maplewood-based nonprofit that helps make events and spaces more accessible. The room's dark indigo walls match the comfortable chair glider and beanbag, each contributing to the soothing atmosphere. The total cost of the room was under $2,000 and was largely paid for by church funds, plus some donations. 'This sensory room has really changed everything for us,' said Pavitra Makam, a St. Joseph's parishioner and mother of two neurodivergent kids. 'Being able to worship together has been the biggest thing for our family.' Jay Perkins, who has been in the sensory room business since 2009, said it's often parents in need of a safe, supportive space for their kids who are spearheading the movement to build sensory rooms. When his daughter began exhibiting signs of aggression at age 4, places like libraries (too quiet), playgrounds (too loud) and trampoline parks (too crowded) were inaccessible. That applied to his Episcopal church, too. 'There are so few places where special-needs kids with sensory integration disorders can enjoy it,' said Perkins. The lack of accessible spaces for his family inspired Perkins to begin building the kinds of rooms his daughter would thrive in. In 2018 he officially launched his company, The Sensory Room, which builds high-end, durable sensory rooms from start to finish and trains people on how to use them. 'It's catching on,' said Perkins, whose company built roughly a dozen rooms in 2022 and 80 in 2023. Though The Sensory Room specializes in schools, Perkin's company has also built rooms for a Broadway theater and an airport, and three in evangelical churches. Most of his custom rooms, he told RNS, start in the $20,000 range. One of those projects was the $35,000 transformation of a storage room into a state-of-the-art sensory room at Encounter Church, an evangelical congregation about 30 minutes from Dallas. Completed in February 2024, the renovation included interactive tactile and texture panels, bubble tubes, mirrors, new carpet, paint and electrical work, and an LED-star ceiling complete with a digital shooting star. According to the Rev. Chris Binion, who co-founded the church with his wife, Tracy, the decision to create the room was prompted by the Holy Spirit. 'I was in a season of prayer and fasting, and I felt like the Lord asked me how to take care of his 'littles,'' Binion told RNS. He felt God was urging him to support kids with 'diverse needs,'including autism. 'We decided through the direction of the Holy Spirit to say yes, and move forward in this kingdom assignment." It's not just churches that are revamping spaces to focus on sensory integration. Temple Emanu-El, a Reform synagogue in Atlanta, has adapted two of its rooms to help folks process sensory input. A former cry room just off the main sanctuary was altered to become the Shalom Sanctuary, a small space with a large window facing the main worship space equipped with fidget toys, beanbags and headphones. The synagogue also received a $10,000 grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta to improve the accessibility of a classroom. That renovation is almost complete, and the room, which features a wall of sensory engagement toys, flexible furniture and alternative seating (think large rubber balls), will be especially helpful for children who need sensory breaks during religious classes or events such as the annual Purim carnival, according to Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller, associate rabbi at the synagogue. 'Something important in Judaism is the idea that we are all created 'b'tzelem Elohim,' in the image of God,' said Klein Miller. 'And much of that is connected to the golden rule of treating people the way we want to be treated and finding space for everybody in the community.' According to Rebecca Barlow, a regional disability specialist in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, adding a sensory room to a house of worship doesn't automatically make it accessible to those with sensory needs. 'It's just one piece of a bigger machine that you're trying to build,' said Barlow, disability specialist for the Desert Ridge Stake in Mesa, Arizona. The first step to building that machine, Barlow said, is asking disabled individuals and their families what it would take to make church feasible for them. When she first became a disability specialist roughly five years ago, feedback was invaluable. 'The biggest thing was listening. The parents of these children know what they need,' said Barlow, who is the parent of a child with autism. Based on the families' input, she created a sensory room in her meeting house with new donated items. Knowing it would be used by kids who could become aggressive, she removed hard chairs and chalkboard lips that could pose safety risks. She also filled the room with the usual sensory items, added light-blocking curtains and included a night-light that projected a calming light pattern. Still, it took more than that to get families back in the door. "We, as parents of disabled children, often can become jaded, and we lack trust that our children are going to be cared for in a manner appropriate to how special they are,' said Barlow. To build trust with families, church leaders invited some members of the ward to serve as one-on-one aides for each child with a disability. The aides were trained in the homes of their assigned families and eventually accompanied the kids in the sensory room during church meetings. Barlow also introduced the kids to the sensory room ahead of time via pictures and tours, and ward members, too, received basic training on understanding disabilities and how to use the sensory room. In the few years since that sensory room opened, the model has gained traction. Barlow says the seven wards in her stake now each have their own disability specialists and sensory rooms, and she routinely takes calls from LDS church members across the country and the globe seeking to set up sensory rooms of their own. 'It feels like we're seeing a cultural shift toward understanding and accepting and integrating people with disabilities,' said Barlow. 'If we want to follow Christ, if we want to emulate him, if we want to be his disciples … they need to be foremost in our mind.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fun for everyone: Tampa Bay Sun Foundation hosts first "Pros and Pals" event
The "Pros and Pals" event is geared towards making soccer more accessible for children who have physical or sensory disabilities
Fast Company
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How AI is making the invisible visible in branding
In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining creative industries, branding stands at a pivotal crossroads. Tools like Midjourney and DALL-E are often portrayed as threats to traditional visual branding, but their true value may lie elsewhere—not in replacing human creativity, but in expanding the sensory dimensions of brand expression. At the bread and butter, a global brand consultancy, we believe branding should never be superficial. It should touch. Move. Resonate. That's why we built our practice around 'Betterment Branding'—a philosophy that connects long-term brand growth to emotional, sensory, and social resonance. Today, the intersection of AI and human sensation is where we see branding's next great leap. The limits of sensory branding—and why AI matters Tactile and sonic brand assets—like the velvet-soft finish of a skincare package or the fizz of a signature sonic logo—are among the most emotionally powerful tools a brand can use. Yet they have traditionally been difficult to describe, prototype, or communicate, especially in early development stages. High-cost testing and abstract metaphors were often the only ways to translate these invisible experiences. Now, AI offers a powerful alternative. Through carefully trained prompts, generative models can simulate not just visuals but feelings: a feathery softness, a glassy chill, or the echo of footsteps in an ancient hall. We are moving from imagination to interactive sketch—enabling faster, richer, and more immersive brand ideation without sacrificing emotional depth. Visualize the senses: A new aesthetic language At the bread and butter, we recently explored this frontier by creating a conceptual series of digital artworks visualizing the five human senses—touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight. Each piece was crafted using AI assistance (via DALL-E) while carefully preserving emotional nuance and contemporary aesthetics. Against pristine white backgrounds, minimalist organic forms bring the intangible into focus: Touch: A dense, fur-like sphere evokes warmth and intimacy. Hearing: A cloudlike bloom suggests sound diffusion. Taste: A flowing droplet reflects flavor complexity. Smell: Fine radiating lines capture scent dispersion. Sight: A glowing orb of rainbow gradient embodies visual diversity. This project demonstrates how AI can serve as an aesthetic translator—turning previously hard-to-articulate sensations into vivid, communicable design assets. Why humans still lead Despite these technological advances, AI cannot feel. It lacks context, culture, and emotional intuition. While AI can generate visual shortcuts, human consultants must embed them with meaning, strategy, and symbolism. At the bread and butter, we use AI not to automate identity, but to amplify insight—making design both faster and more human-centric. Design the invisible future Imagine sketching a brand's signature scent in a mood board or transmitting tactile sensations through AI-informed 3D renderings. These are not distant dreams—they are rapidly approaching realities. As branding becomes more sensory-driven, new roles will emerge: sensory strategists, emotion engineers, multisensory modelers—experts who blend computational tools with human empathy. AI is making the invisible visible, and it's democratizing the ability to design with emotion for everyone from startups to heritage brands. From efficiency to empathy For consultancies like the bread and butter, this evolution isn't just about saving time—it's about elevating meaning. By translating the nuances of touch, sound, and even intuition into design-ready assets, we make brand experience more accessible, more agile, and more authentic. Importantly, we believe that the use of AI in branding must remain ethical and human-centered. Technology should not strip away emotional richness; it should help brands deepen it. By using AI thoughtfully—as a collaborator, not a creator—we ensure that human intuition, empathy, and context continue to lead brand development. This is not the end of branding as we know it. It's the beginning of something more dimensional. More human. More felt. Authentic, human-centric branding is essential. Understanding and reflecting genuine emotions and experiences is fundamental to building deeper connections with consumers.
