ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app

April 2, 2025

Children inform autism-friendly event at Early Start Discovery Space

World Autism Understanding Day event and resources launch to support inclusive play-based experiences

To acknowledge and celebrate World Autism Understanding Day today (Wednesday 2 April), Early Start Discovery Space is holding a special, limited capacity, for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities.

at the University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app (ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app) is designed to allow children to take control and share their imagination and creativity with others. The Discovery Space environment stimulates curiosity, supports independence, encourages social interaction and promotes an inclusive community.

Several changes will be made to Discovery Space operations today to support visitors during the after-hours event, including significantly reduced capacity limits to lower congestion and noise, pre-booked tickets and staggered entry times. Some experiences will have elements turned off or limited to reduce sound and sensory input.   

“We are excited to be holding a special, after-hours event for World Autism Understanding Day. This event has come about through internal research and community feedback,” Mr Josef English, Manager of Early Start Operations, said.

“We always listen to and learn from our community about how to improve our space. We have a dedicated experience, , designed with help from Early Start autism researchers, and quiet spaces around the Discovery Space, but we know from feedback that children and their adults were concerned about how busy these spaces get.

“Acknowledging that every person on the autism spectrum is unique, we hope that these changes will make a real difference to a child’s visit. We are dedicated to continual improvement, inclusivity and learning and listening to the children and adults who visit the Discovery Space.”

In addition to the event, the Early Start Discovery Space today launched two research informed resources to support parents, carers and educators working with children on the autism spectrum: the Discovery Space Social Story and the Discovery Space Sensory Map.

The is an online resource to help people plan their visit to the Discovery Space, allowing them to pre-visit the space and explore what to expect through visual and written explainers. The identifies high and low sensory areas.

The resources were developed by Early Start’s Community Partnership Team in collaboration with (Autism Spectrum Australia), one of Australia’s leading providers of autism-specific services and education.

“Aspect South Coast School’s junior satellite class on the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app campus visits the Discovery Space weekly with their teachers,” Mr English said.

“The children, their parents and teachers reviewed the Social Story and recommended changes based on their visits to the Discovery Space. Through this resource children can become familiar with each play experience, the facilities, where to find help and where to access quieter options before they visit.”

Stef Hawker, Leader of Learning & Wellbeing at , said the collaboration was driven by the experiences and suggestions of the children from Aspect and their families.  

"Aspect South Coast School is proud to collaborate with the University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app’s Discovery Space team and contribute to their Social Story. Our students, families and staff provided valuable feedback to ensure the visual story is clear, accessible and supports participation of autistic visitors. This partnership is a great example of how co-designing resources with the autism community can create lasting, inclusive practices."

Both resources will be available to all future visitors via the Discovery Space website.

The World Autism Understanding Day event coincides with Early Start Discovery Space being listed as an official sunflower friendly location on the website. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was created to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding.

Early Start researchers are internationally recognised for their expertise in education, cognition, health and physical activity. Their findings guide and influence all educational aspects of the Discovery Space, ensuring its play-based experiences and public programs are grounded in evidence and are beneficial to children’s development.

For more information about the Early Start Discovery Space and its programs, please visit: