Children's Museums & Families with Special Needs

Earlier this year, my husband and I joined the Association of Children's Museums (www.childrensmuseums.org). We enjoy taking our son to family-friendly places and we liked the idea of reciprocal complimentary admission to many museums. We find that while all them have similar themes -- animals, science, technology, art and play areas -- they each offer something slightly different, and it is worth driving even 90 minutes from home to see them.

Yesterday we went to the Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol, Connecticut. For the first time, I saw a family with a special needs child (actually, a young teen) and it occurred to me that none of the seven children's museums we've seen have much to offer for kids with special needs. I know that our local library has occasional programs for children with sensory and other issues. I don't know how much demand there actually is for such programs or museum exhibits because in my humble and cynical opinion, there isn't enough money to be made by museums. I just felt sorry for the boy. He was miserable and whined and cried that he didn't want to be there. "There" was actually an interactive exhibit which included a swinging table that had weights and a holder for markers. It was like a Spirograph on steroids and made interesting and beautiful drawings. I don't know that that boy's problem was. Retardation? Autism? Auditory processing issues? It was painful to watch his misery. Personally, I thought that particular exhibition would be perfect for some kids who suffer from autism.

Perhaps all the organizations, such as The Friendship CIrcle, could help fund monthly museum programs for families with special needs children. Sadly, it seems to me that many programs for kids with special needs just fulfill the financial needs of bloated staffs, and the real needs of those who are afflicted are not met. I know I must sound hard-nosed to some people, but those I know who have severely autistic children understand my point of view. A child who is truly autistic (not just a bit quirky or awkward socially) needs to go to the hospital to have his dental work done under full sedation. Most of that cost comes out of a family's disposable income because even the most generous dental plan is capped low and health insurance doesn't cover it. Various therapies, including speech, are often necessary for kids with special needs. Hearing aids are expensive. A friend of mine claims she spent $86,000 years on various dental and therapies for her son, who is autistic and tends to be physically hyperactive. (She and her husband had to put safety latches on the upper cabinets in their kitchen. If they opened, a high jump could cause him to injure his eye.)

Whether not anyone or any organization steps up to the plate, I am still grateful that there are so many children's museums. Perhaps the way to help afflicted families is to have a brochure (digital and print) to help their special needs children feel more comfortable and get the most out their museum visits. That shouldn't break anyone's budgets.