High Rise offers autism friendly activities one Sunday morning each month at 10am. These are perfect for children and adults with autism or those who would prefer to visit the centre during a quieter time.

Dates for 2024 are:

  • Sunday 7th April
  • Sunday 5th May
  • Sunday 2nd June
  • Sunday 7th July
  • Sunday 4th August
  • Sunday 8th September
  • Sunday 6th October
  • Sunday 3rd November (half term)
  • Sunday 1st December

Additional autism sessions during summer – 10am on the following dates (in addition to Sunday sessions on Sunday 7 July and Sunday 4 August)

  • Thursday 4th July
  • Thursday 18th July
  • Thursday 1st August
  • Thursday 15st August

We offer both autism friendly Clip ‘n Climb and soft play during this time – you can find out more about how these work below. We always recommend pre-booking for these sessions.

We also have a set of ear defenders that you are very welcome to borrow for the duration of your visit (depending on availability) – but you may wish to bring your own.

Autism friendly Clip ‘n Climb

One Sunday morning per month, during term-time, and at other times during school holidays, High Rise goes quiet for our autism friendly Clip ‘n Climb session. Our staff have received specialist training on supporting our autistic guests and we know that sometimes just a few small adjustments can make all the difference for someone with autism.

(Please note, the Leap of Faith will not be available during these sessions)

How do the sessions work?

  • Suitable for adults and children (adults can book to climb or can spectate from our viewing area)
  • Available at 10am one Sunday per month and at other times during school holidays
  • No music playing in the centre
  • Fewer people in the Clip ‘n Climb arena
  • Instructors available to provide support and encouragement
  • Shorter, autism friendly safety briefing
  • Ear defenders available to borrow (subject to availability)

Autism friendly soft play

One Sunday morning per month, during term-time, and at other times during school holidays, High Rise goes quiet for our autism friendly soft play session. Our staff have received specialist training on supporting our autistic guests and we know that sometimes just a few small adjustments can make all the difference for someone with autism.

  • Open to children with autism and their siblings up to age 12
  • Available from 10am-11.30am one Sunday per month and at other times during school holidays
  • No music playing in the centre
  • Fewer people in the soft play area

High Rise receives Autism NI Impact Award

High Rise has been presented with the prestigious Autism NI Impact Award in recognition of the ways in we support autistic guests and their families, and how we have created an ‘autism accessible environment’.

 

A graphic illustration of Autism Impact 2023 Award Logo. The graphic is the top half of a gold star. Inside the star is the Autism NI logo with text below that reads Impact Award Champion.

Special events and training

Keep an eye on our social media channels and News page for updates on any special events and training we organise to support autistic individuals and their families.