Published on 12, July, 2020
Newly officially diagnosed but suspected for a long time. Now comes the point where I actually could get help for my hidden disability but I would like to know which organisations that people visit for pleasure like galleries, museum, historic buildings etc are friendly towards autistic adults. For example my experience in The National Trust has often been negative. I do not drive, the anxiety and thought processing is too overwhelming. I always travel with a rucksack so I can carry all of my the things for the whole day like, like food, medicines, phone charger, hairbrush yada yada yada. They don’t seem to appreciate any of this and only like car drivers with small handbags.
Congratulations on your formal autistic identification!
I like to go to parks/gardens/other green spaces. I also like to go out for lunch.
It's not absolutely clear what reasonable accommodations or adjustments you are seeking.
I enjoy visiting these kinds of places and although I have a sunflower lanyard I don't think I've ever worn it in such environments. I don't tend to like drawing attention to myself unless completely necessary. My issues tend to be with noise and proximity to other people and I manage these myself, by going when it is less busy and wearing earplugs.
It seems that your main issue is your rucksack. Places which have lots of delicate valuables understandably want to ensure they are protected and avoid any accidental damage or breakages.
Many autistic people also have dyspraxia, which means we can be clumsy and have problems with balance and co-ordination. I'm sure you would be horrified if your rucksack were to accidentally touch something and cause damage.
When I've been on my travels visiting art galleries and museums, with a backpack, I've often been asked to either carry it or check it into a cloakroom or locker. I've always complied with these requests. It makes the visiting experience better anyway, if you're not having to lug a heavy bag around with you.
If staff at National Trust properties object to your rucksack then they should provide a safe place where you can leave it. They shouldn't be assuming that everyone arrives by car and can leave their bags in the car.
Hi.
Congratulations on your diagnosis.
With regard to the National Trust, I'm a member as we buy membership for each other as our sole Christmas presents.
I don't have a problem with the grounds as they can be quite peaceful but the houses can be too busy.
Yes, a car is best for a lot, but not all, NT premises.
Pookywombat said: They don’t seem to appreciate any of this and only like car drivers with small handbags.
I've never had a bag checked in an NT place, so I don't know about the rucksack problem.
I use a handbag, but it's not small.
Pookywombat said:I would like to know which organisations that people visit for pleasure like galleries, museum, historic buildings etc are friendly towards autistic adults
I'd like to know whether these exist too.
Even if you go to art galleries and museums, especially in London, they tend to be thronging with tourists and children.
Smaller places in smaller towns can be better.
Churches are good ie very peacful, but cathedrals, if they are famous, not so much.
Any tourist attraction is likely to be very busy.
I recently visited the D Day Museum in Southsea and it was a bit horrific as they had tapes of commentary playing loudly in every single room, sometimes being able to hear both at the same time.
I had to rush through it where I really wanted to read about the interesting history.
I purchased some earplugs to return but the ones I got hardly cut out any sound, so I will try some others.
All the best with your search.