Sensory Friendly Morning

BILL RILEY: But first, Abby Brown is going to introduce us to some time set aside for folks with autism and sensory processing disorders to help them explore and enjoy the fair.

ABBY BROWN: Many flock to the fair for the big sounds and bright lights. But for some the fair is far more enjoyable when the lights are dim and the sounds are softer. For the first time ever, the fair has a Sensory-Friendly Morning.

Emily, tell us about Sensory-Friendly Morning at the fair.

EMILY WYNN: Anybody can come, but we are providing programming more designed for those who were on our sensory friendly spectrum to experience the fair in a more calm and relaxing setting. We have lots of partners that help us at the fair to put this on and we have various activities and multiple locations across the fairgrounds.

ABBY: Teri, talk to us about what sensory processing means and how different people process sensory stimulation differently.

TERI WAHLIG: All of us are bombarded with light, sound, movement, all kinds of sensory inputs. Some people have a harder time processing all of that input to where they can still function despite everything coming in.

ABBY: Missy, tell me about your family.

My husband and I have two boys. This is Roman, he's 10 years old and this is Nash, he is 7. And Nash has been diagnosed with autism and intellectual disability.

ABBY: Hi. what do you think? 

MISSY: We're having fun at the fair, aren't we? 

ABBY: Roman, what's your favorite thing to do at the fair?

ROMAN: Go down the big slide.

ABBY: You can go pretty fast, right?

ROMAN: Yes.

TERI: We often hear from families that they have not been able to explore the fair before as a family. If one child has sensory processing issues, it makes it too difficult for them to go out into the community. This year with the Sensory-Friendly Morning their whole family is  able to enjoy the fair together. 

ABBY: The Flores family is here this morning at the Iowa State Fair for Sensory-Friendly Morning. what are you most looking forward to?

MOTHER: We want to see everything so that my son can have a beautiful experience. It's something very special and nice. It's only once a year.

ABBY: Steve, what is your favorite animal?

STEVE: A cock-a-doodle-doo.

TERI: I hope more and more venues incorporate sensory-friendly environments. Movie theaters, restaurants, anything outdoors as well. It just helps families explore and enjoy their community together.

FLORES FAMILY: Hi everybody.