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Celebrating Autistic Pride Day

Started in 2005 in an online forum for autistic people, Autistic Pride Day celebrates neurodiversity. According to Kabie Brook, the co-founder of Autism Rights Group Highland (ARGH), Autistics worldwide uses the day to show the world that “we are proud of being autistic and that we are not diseased or defective or in need of a cure. We have as much right to live a happy and fulfilled life as neurotypicals.”

At Miracle Recreation, we understand that every human is not created the same. We all have interests, capabilities, and features that are different from one another. We celebrate differences by developing playgrounds for everyone. When families visit a Miracle playground, we know they choose to play in ways that support their own capabilities and interests.

As we developed our newest product line, Miracle Museum, our objective was to create innovative play equipment that celebrated neurodiversity, and to bring STEM and sensory play to the playground. We believe it is necessary to let every child experience the Miracle Museum through their own lens and create unlimited ways to play.

When we play tested the new Miracle Museum equipment with a group of neurodiverse kids, we saw our goals had been met and exceeded! The Miracle Museum is a new-to-the-playground-industry experience that gives children the chance to engage in fantastical sensory events. Children touch, listen, see, and play their way through this mesmerizing collection of products, playing the way they choose.

Want a deep proprioceptive experience? Go through Odyssey Hall, lay down on the Momentum Corridor, or press your arms into the pattern maker in the Grand Gallery.

Love patterns? Create one using the pattern maker in the Grand Gallery or the pin impression on the Dynamics Lab.

Like to solve puzzles? Learn how to get the ball to the top of the ball drop or see how many washers you can get going at one time with the washer fall in the Grand Gallery.

Love games? You can create exciting games using any of the Miracle Museum products.

Want an auditory experience? The Pin Impression makes a very satisfying sound. The Jingle Drums and the balls falling through the SpinAtorium make fun sounds too!

Want to learn something new? Learn how the Zoetrope works and which continents are represented on the SpinAtorium.

Need to escape the sensory input? Head towards the Tranquility Corner, a soothing space for children who might be overstimulated on a busy playground.

Want to play by yourself, with a parent or one friend? Great! There is no right or wrong way to play on the Miracle Museum. Explore it any way you wish!

Joseph Redford, an organizer for London Autistic Pride, stated in a speech that the concept of autistic pride is not about a single day or event: “For individuals, Autistic Pride doesn’t necessarily need to take the form of public events. The organizer of Inverness Autistic Pride, Kabie Brook, told me that she celebrated Autistic Pride day by taking a walk in the park with her family. And enjoying herself. Openly stimming, or vocalizing, or expressing yourself in your own body language is an example of Autistic Pride in Action. Standing up and passionately defending your own truth, regardless of convention or tone, or social dynamics even if it goes completely against the grain, or others consider it minor or pedantic, is Autistic Pride in Action. Seeking knowledge according to your own logic is Autistic Pride in Action. Completely breaking social rules, if it doesn’t cause harm, is Autistic Pride in Action. Demanding to be treated with the same respect and dignity as others is Autistic Pride in Action. Walking away from something if you can’t handle it is Autistic Pride in Action.”

What will you do to put Autistic Pride in Action?

If you want more information about Autistic Pride Day and Neurodiversity, check out these resources:

Note: At Miracle Recreation, we’re aware of the ongoing debate in the autism community over the use of identity-first (autistic person) and person-first (person with autism) language. We understand the choice is a highly personal one, especially for individuals in the autism community, so we’ve decided to use a combination of person-first and identity-first language.