Tag: New Activities

Top 5 Sensory-Friendly Places in Azusa, CA 

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Planning outings for kids on the autism spectrum can require extra consideration.  

Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces can sometimes trigger sensory sensitivities. 

Sensory-friendly environments are designed to minimize challenges with soft lighting, quiet areas, and steady routines. 

In Azusa, which sits at the base of California’s San Gabriel Mountains, there’s plenty of access to outdoor spaces. Many of these locations around the city offer quiet, uncrowded, and manageable settings for families with kids on the autism spectrum to explore. 

We also have a growing number of indoor spaces designed with the senses in mind. Here are five sensory-friendly places to explore in and around Azusa: 

1. Crystal Lake Recreation Area Offers a Peaceful Outdoor Escape 

About 30 minutes from Azusa, Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest provides cool mountain air, quiet trails, and the sounds of nature. Families can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching in a calm environment away from city noise. 

Tip for Families: Visit early in the day for fewer visitors. Bring water, snacks, and layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. 

2. Azusa River Wilderness Park Gives Kids Space to Explore Quietly 

Along the San Gabriel River, Azusa River Wilderness Park is a quiet green space for short walks and nature breaks. It has wide trails and open views, which can feel more comfortable for kids who prefer space and movement. 

Tip for Families: Bring a blanket for a sensory-friendly picnic. Avoid afternoons on hot days, as there is limited shade. 

3. Azusa City Library Hosts Calm and Inclusive Story Times 

The Azusa City Library offers a sensory-friendly story time called “Creating Connections.” These sessions use gentle lighting, soft voices, and simple crafts. The library also has quiet areas where kids can read or do puzzles at their own pace. 

Tip for Families: Check the library’s calendar. Midweek mornings are usually less busy. 

4. Sky Zone Covina Holds Sensory Hours 

Just 10 minutes from Azusa, Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Covina holds sensory hours with dimmer lights, lower volume, and fewer people. Kids can jump, climb, and move around in a more relaxed setting. 

Tip for Families: Sensory sessions are usually on Sunday mornings. Arrive early so your child can ease into the space. 

5. We Rock the Spectrum in Downey Was Built for Sensory-Friendly Play 

About 30 minutes from Azusa, We Rock the Spectrum in Downey is an indoor gym created for children of all abilities. It features swings, sensory toys, a calming room, and padded equipment for safe play and movement. 

Tip for Families: Call ahead to ask about open play and quiet times. Staff are familiar with sensory needs and can help make your visit easier. 

Looking for additional support for your child in Azusa, CA? At Autism Spectrum Therapies (AST), we offer applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy tailored to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Our team uses science and compassion to help your child grow. 

Check out our LEARN Behavioral blog on 5 simple play ideas for more sensory-friendly ideas.  

Tips for Reducing Back to School Anxiety

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Getting ready for the new school year can be a hectic and exciting time. Transitioning from the extra playtime and novelty of summer back to the routine of the school year can be challenging. For children with autism (and their parents), all this change can feel overwhelming.

Here are some suggestions for how to help ease your child’s back-to-school anxieties:

Get a Sneak Peak
Scope out the school and classroom in advance. If your child is going into a new classroom, ask to visit it at least once before the first day of school. If transition has been a struggle in the past, consider taking as much time as your child needs to explore the classroom. Make it as much fun as possible, playing in each of the new areas.

Check Out Seat Assignments
For older children, ask the teacher if a seat assignment has been made. Do some enjoyable activities in that seat. If familiar classmates will be in the room, show where they will be sitting, too.

Rehearse New Activities
Find out from the teacher what new activities are planned. Then, prepare your child by performing, practicing, and talking about them. This rehearsal will reduce anxiety when the new activities come up in the first week of school.

Anticipate Sensory Overload
The noise and chaos of a typical classroom can sometimes be a bit much to handle. Establish a plan for what to do in this situation – perhaps there is a quiet room where your child can “take a break” for a short time.

Volunteer in the Classroom
Many teachers welcome assistance from parents. If your child’s teacher welcomes volunteers (and your schedule permits), your presence may be a source of comfort to your child during those challenging first weeks.

Going to school can pose many challenges for children with autism, as well as offer countless opportunities for building crucial social, language, and academic skills. Be positive and encouraging, and your child will be off to a great year!

Looking for more school-related tips for your child with autism? Check out our blogs, “Five Steps to Help Your Child with Autism Make Friends” and “This School Year, Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher.”