Historic Werribee Mansion has become a more welcoming place for children with autism thanks to a partnership funded by the Victorian Government.

While trips to parks can be enjoyed by all Victorians, for children with autism, a visit can be an experience that increases their anxiety and gives them sensory overload.

Working with Amaze, the peak body for autistic people and their supporters, Parks Victoria has developed “social scripts” designed to assist parents and teachers prepare children for their visit to the park.

Children will see a variety of pictures and simple descriptions about what they may see and experience during their visit to the park, reducing their anxiety and making it a more enjoyable experience.

Parents and teachers can go online and create a tailored story about the upcoming experience with photos of different aspects of the park and descriptions of what they will find there.

At the historic mansion sights can range from ducks and possums to antique furniture and children’s toys.

Parks Victoria has been working with Amaze to make parks more autism-friendly since 2015, includ-ing a specially designed junior rangers program for children on the autism spectrum at Serendip Sanctuary.

Social scripts are now available in seven parks including Werribee Mansion, Point Nepean National Park, Serendip Sanctuary, Brimbank and Jells Parks, Wilsons Promontory National Park, and the Buchan Caves.

For more information about autism friendly park, visit the Parks Victoria website at. https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/all-abilities-access/autism-friendly-visits.

Quotes Attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“It’s great to see the Victorian Government supporting children with autism to enjoy our historic places – our state and national parks are for everyone and inclusivity is absolutely vital.”

“Werribee Park and the Mansion are iconic places in western Melbourne and I am delighted Amaze and Parks Victoria have been able to make it a more welcoming place for children with autism, their families and teachers with these new resources.”