Quiet Grottos with Autism Together
In the build up to Christmas 2021, Autism Together, has been advising Dobbies Garden Centres on the setup and running of Quiet Grotto sessions in 50 of our UK stores.
Autism Together gives us an insight into their support and also how important tailoring the Quiet Grotto is for children with autism or additional needs.
We have many years’ experience in running our own Quiet Grottos, so it was fantastic that we could share what we’ve learned with Dobbies to help make their sessions as autism-friendly as possible.
These quiet sessions are designed to take the stress and anxiety out of grotto visits for children with autism or additional needs, and their families. This means no queuing on the day and a reduced number of people in the grotto area.
Our organisation has specialised in supporting autistic people of all ages, from across the UK, for over 50 years. All the team members working at the grottos will receive autism awareness training from our award-winning Autism Training and Advisory Service.
- The grotto music will be turned off and twinkling lights removed or switched off.
- Each child’s gift can be wrapped or not – depending on their preference.
- Prior to visiting, customers will also be emailed a photo of the specific grotto they will be visiting. This helps prepare the children for where they will be going and what they will experience on the day itself.
We asked Alex, a parent who has enjoyed visiting our grottos in the past, to share some of her experiences of how important an autism-friendly grotto visit can be for all the family…
“My name is Alex and I have 3 children. Henry is 10 years old, he has autism and complex learning needs. He attends a local special needs school.
“Henry doesn’t understand what Christmas is. However, he enjoys the rituals surrounding it. He knows something exciting is happening. It didn’t take long for him to learn that presents come from Father Christmas. He LOVES Father Christmas.
“Leaving the house with a child like Henry is extremely challenging. Everything has to be planned meticulously, with several back-up plans in place.
“Taking Henry to a grotto has so many obstacles. They can be loud and noisy and with so many people, a sensory nightmare. He doesn’t understand queues. They are just in his way of something he wants.
“I have had some disastrous trips to see Father Christmas. One resulted in a huge meltdown in the middle of a long and winding queue. We created quite a spectacle and, after a difficult struggle, staff ended up opening the fire doors so I could drag him out kicking and screaming.
“We all left bruised, embarrassed and in tears. My daughters miss out again. Henry is devastated as he doesn’t understand. Yet again, another parent defeat for me. Not very festive at all.
“I have attended Grottos run by Autism Together. A COMPLETELY different experience.
“We are greeted by Elves who understand Henry from the outset. Autism affects everybody differently. Both Elves and Father Christmas have the knowledge and experience to adapt each experience to the individual needs of the child.
“Whether this be using picture cards, sign language, lowering any music or just simplifying language – it makes it possible and even enjoyable! It also helps to be surrounded by like-minded families who are wanting the same as me – for their children to simply enjoy seeing Father Christmas in a grotto and getting that vital photo!
“I can’t wait to visit Dobbies with my family over Christmas.”
Our 5 tips for an autism-friendly Christmas
- Be clear about when friends and family may visit. Write up a schedule and stick it on the fridge or somewhere it is easily accessible.
Use advent calendars to your advantage – a countdown can be beneficial to make people aware of upcoming events.
Some families opt for a one-day Christmas, when decorations and lights are put up and taken down on the same day – in order to limit changes to routines and safe places in the house.
Have some Christmas-free time away from the festivities – this can be helpful to reduce anxiety. A quiet stroll in the park or feeding the ducks could help, if this is what you normally do to relax.
Christmas dinners can be individual, so stick to what you know will be popular. Who says it has to be roast turkey for everyone?
Wishing you a very merry Christmas from all at Autism Together.
If you’d like to find out more and book a Quiet Grottos session, click here.
To make a donation and support the work we do at Autism Together, click here.