Autism Spectrum Disorder

For nearly 20 years, The Henry Ford has sought to provide safe, unique and engaging experiences to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (APD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and their families.

Please note that many of our staff members have participated in the Michigan Autism Safety Training provided by the Autism Alliance of Michigan to better understand the characteristics of autism and how to recognize and communicate with someone with autism. We offer the following resources and programs:

General Resources

  • Sensory-assistance kits, which include noise-canceling headphones, earplugs and a communication board, are available upon request at the Museum Welcome Center and Greenfield Village ticket building. Earplugs are available upon request at Ford Rouge Factory Tour as well.
  • Download sensory-friendly maps for information on areas with loud sounds, smells, mobility considerations, quiet spaces and more for Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
  • In partnership with the Autism Alliance of Michigan, social narratives (pre-visit planning tools that use pictures and text) are available to help prepare guests on the autism spectrum to visit. Download the social narratives for Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and Ford Rouge Factory Tour.
  • Quiet spaces are located throughout all venues of The Henry Ford:
      Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation:
      • Near the Allegheny Locomotive
      • Back wall behind the Railroads and Driving America exhibits
      • Back wall behind Made in America exhibit
      Greenfield Village
      • Many quiet, open outdoor spaces
      Ford Rouge Factory Tour:
      • Lobby and Legacy Gallery
      • Mezzanine before entering the assembly plant
      • Small conference room at the end of the assembly plant walkway
      Giant Screen Experience:
      • Outside of the exit doors on the second level


    At-Home Activity Kits

    Download sensory-friendly at-home activity kits that will keep your family engaged and learning beyond our on-site sensory-friendly programming. These resources have connections to The Henry Ford, as well as videos, crafts, social activities and more. They can be used at any time and in any combination.

    DOWNLOAD

    Contact accessibility@thehenryford.org with any questions or suggestions.


    Sensory-Friendly Programming

    The Henry Ford's sensory-friendly programming has been designed specifically for the ASD/SPD audience using expert advice and guidance from a network of medical and educational partnerships. Sensory-friendly days, events and programs vary throughout the year, but at their foundation are accommodations that provide access to a broad range of experiences across our venues, including the following:

    • Pre-visit materials (i.e. social narratives)
    • Sensory-friendly maps
    • Noise-canceling headphones and earplugs
    • Quiet zones
    • Modifications to sensory input (For example, lights up, volume down in Giant Screen Experience)
    • Access to exclusive time slots or customized programming (for select events)
    • Free admission (for select events)
    • Specialized training for our staff

    Contact accessibility@thehenryford.org with any questions or comments.

    For more information about The Henry Ford and the history of our ASD programming, check out our blog.

    Register for upcoming ASD programs and events here.

  At-Home Activities    Sensory Friendly Events