There are a range of autism and disability friendly places around Newcastle: 

 

• Metrocentre and Eldon Square, Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure centre in Cramlington have hosted a special shopping hour when they dim the lights, turn down music, stop announcements and share information about autism with employees and the public.

 

• On the first Saturday of every month, Seven Stories,The National Centre for Children’s Books in the Ouseburn, Newcastle, opens an hour early between 9am to 10am to enable families with autistic children to enjoy a visit without the usual crowds http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/visit/accessibility 

 

• The Discovery Museum holds autism-friendly evenings; sensory afternoons and others earmarked for deaf and visually impaired children and toddlers.Upcoming autism-friendly evenings, including dinner, will take place from 5pm to 8pm on February 29; March 21; May 2; July 11; August 15 and November 21. See here. Pre-booking in essential.

 

• Centre for Life host Sensory-friendly Sundays which are dedicated quiet hours when lighting and sound levels are altered in the exhibitions and visitors can enjoy a relaxed performance with ear defenders and sensory packs to help people transition into normal opening hours.

• Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle holds regular sensory friendly screenings for people with autism, learning disabilities and/or additional needs and their families.