The Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin is partnering with Wisconsin Early Autism Project, the Appleton Health Department, Mosaic Family Health, and the Building for Kids Children’s Museum to host two Sensory Friendly Routine Vaccination clinics this spring.  The clinics will take place on Monday, March 20^th and Monday, May 15^th at the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI. The clinics are designed for children with Autism, ADHD, other developmental disabilities, and anyone else who would benefit from a modified vaccination experience. Routine vaccinations will be offered in addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Resources will be available to participants throughout every phase of the vaccination process. Prior to the clinic, a social narrative will be available to help prepare participants for getting vaccinated. During the clinic, participants can expect individualized support throughout their appointment, sensory fidgets, distraction strategies, and other individualized accommodations as needed. After appointments, participants can play in the museum until it closes at 7:00 pm. The Building for Kids will also provide a pizza dinner.

“In 2022, we hosted ten Sensory Friendly COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, facilitating a calmer, more supportive vaccination experience for almost 200 children and adults,” says Kirsten Cooper, executive director of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, “We’re incredibly excited to continue our work to increase health equity and vaccine access by broadening the focus of these clinics to routine vaccinations.”

Comments from families participating in similar clinics in 2022 include:

• Getting this done in a low stress, guilt free environment! It alleviated my own stress as a parent too, about being judged for my child’s behavior. I appreciate the patience my children were shown, and getting to play afterwards helped create a more positive memory of the event, which will hopefully help the next time a vaccine is needed. This clinic was a game changer for my family. Thank you so much for putting it together!
• This was such a wonderful event for kiddos. We loved that our boys were able to have a positive experience to associate with their vaccination. No tears were shed!!
• This was as best of an experience my child could get for getting a shot- thank you for doing this for our children