# How can a business or venue become autism friendly?

> Quiet sessions, visual guides, staff training and small changes that make visits easier for autistic children and families.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-friendly-venues
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Start with information: a visual story with photos of arrival, queues and exits helps families prepare. Offer relaxed or quiet sessions with lower sound, softer lighting and freedom to move. Mark quiet spaces on a sensory map, train staff to be patient and flexible, and make it easy to skip queues or leave and return. Ask autistic people and local families for feedback.

**Key takeaways**
- Publish a **visual story** with photos.
- Offer **relaxed or quiet sessions**.
- Mark **quiet spaces** on a **sensory map**.
- **Train staff** and **ask families** for feedback.

## What small changes help most?

| Change | Why it helps |
| --- | --- |
| Visual story | Families can prepare and know what to expect |
| Relaxed sessions | Lower sound and light, freedom to move |
| Sensory map | Shows loud areas and quiet spaces |
| Queue options | Waiting is often very hard |
| Staff training | Patience, clear language, flexibility |

A visual story works like a social narrative, describing a situation simply and positively.[1] Visual supports help many autistic people know what to expect.[2]

## How do we train staff?

**Try:**
- Short, practical training
- Clear, literal language
- Letting families leave and return

**Skip:**
- Asking families to 'control' a child
- Sudden announcements or alarms
- Strict no-re-entry rules

**Ask autistic people.** Invite autistic adults and local families to visit and tell you what would help. Small fixes often matter most.

## What can we do next?

- [ ] Make a visual story with photos
- [ ] Plan a relaxed session
- [ ] Ask local families for feedback

## Common questions

### What is a relaxed performance?

A show or screening with lower sound, lights partly on, and freedom to move, make noise or leave and return.

### What is a visual story?

A short guide with photos showing what visitors will see and do, from arrival to leaving.

### Who should we ask for feedback?

Autistic adults, local families and autism groups. They can spot problems staff may miss.

## Sources

1. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.