Six Flags Darien Lake, and the other 25 Six Flags parks nationwide, has earned a "Certified Autism Center" designation, the first ever family of parks to get that classification.
The designation comes from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, which meets the credentialing needs of professionals who work with individuals with special needs and cognitive disorders.
Communications manager at Darien Lake, Mike Arena, says the theme park recognizes that some guests on the autism spectrum have sensory sensitivities, and have challenges visiting new places or planning trips to places like Six Flags.
“We are trying our best to recognize that and accommodate those kinds of guests, so there will be certain amenities around the park, different changes, and trainings that will go on to, you know, relieve that for some of these families,” Arena said.
These accommodations includes special in-park sensory spaces where guests can relax in a less-stimulating environment.
Arena says staff will be trained to identify visual cues to better accommodate guests with cognitive disorders.
Six Flags Darien Lake is working to meet its Certified Autism Center designation in time for its opening in early May.
This story is reported from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk.