Why Sensory-Friendly Events Matter for Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Day at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

At Horizon Over the Spectrum, our Sensory Summer initiative is in full swing—and we kicked it off with an unforgettable visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a Sensory Friendly Afternoon! This sensory-friendly event created space for children on the autism spectrum to experience nature on their own terms: calmly, freely, and joyfully.

Our family outing at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, capturing a moment of smiles and togetherness in front of the picturesque fountain backdrop.

A Magical Experience for Our Families

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this event was thoughtfully designed. The soft lighting, quiet atmosphere, and spacious layout provided a soothing environment for our families. Kids explored hands-on stations including:

• Art & Music Discovery

• Seed Planting

• All Smiles performance by Alliance Theatre

• A designated Quiet Space for rest and regulation

Volunteers engage children in a fun and educational science activity, teaching them about plants and nutrition at a community event.

A performer in a vibrant costume engages children with a storytelling session, capturing their attention with All Smiles performance.

My children pose for a picture in a lush garden, standing next to a whimsical frog statue seated on a bench.

The kids and event volunteers enjoy a hands-on gardening activity together, mixing soil and preparing plant materials at a community event, fostering intergenerational learning and collaboration.

Marjaani engages in a lively discussion with an educator about bees at an interactive booth, exploring the wonders of pollination through books and visual aids.

And for the parents? A peaceful stroll and a surprise treat—a chicken salad sandwich and cocktail from the snack bar—offered a moment of refreshment and calm. An unexpected “treat-yourself” moment this Autism Mama didn’t know she needed!

Why Sensory-Friendly Events Matter

At Horizon Over the Spectrum, we understand the importance of designing experiences where autistic children and their families feel seen and supported. Sensory-friendly events are not a luxury—they’re a necessity.

They provide:

• Safe, welcoming environments for exploration

• Opportunities for social development and emotional regulation

• Community connection for caregivers and siblings

• A break from overstimulation and judgment

Every child deserves the chance to learn, laugh, and grow in spaces built with their needs in mind.

Join Our Sensory Summer Lineup

This summer, we’re curating inclusive playdates and sensory-friendly experiences across metro Atlanta as part of our ongoing mission to uplift and support our community.

Click here to visit our Community Events page and explore what’s coming next! Registration is still open, and we’d love to welcome you and your family.

Let’s continue creating spaces where every child belongs—one sensory-friendly moment at a time. Follow us on Instagram @horizonoverthespectrum to stay updated on future events and to view our gallery.