Autism Spectrum and Sensory Concerns

Autism Friendly Community

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is proud to be an Autism Friendly Community.

In partnership with the Autism Society of Central Virginia, the Garden has taken meaningful steps to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests. Through disability-specific staff training as part of the Autism Friendly Communities program, our team is better equipped to support individuals with Autism and sensory processing differences.

Preparing for Your Visit

To help you plan your experience, we encourage you to review our Social Stories, Garden Etiquette page, and Sensory Guide. These resources provide helpful information about what to expect during your visit, including sensory considerations such as quiet areas, noise levels, and potential crowd density, which may vary throughout the Garden. We suggest visiting the Garden early in the week to avoid a large crowd. And recommend checking our calendar to avoid days with events that can draw large crowds.

Please note that the Garden is currently undergoing an expansion to introduce exciting new guest experiences. During this time, some exhibit areas such as the Conservatory and Butterflies exhibit are temporarily closed, and visitors may encounter construction activity or additional noise in certain areas.

Sensory Backpacks

The Garden offers a dynamic and engaging environment. For guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder or sensory sensitivities, this stimulation can sometimes feel overwhelming. To support a more comfortable experience, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, in collaboration with the Autism Society of Central Virginia, provides Sensory Backpacks free of charge.
Backpacks can be checked out at the Library, or at Guest Services in the Robins Visitor Center when the Library is closed. Each backpack includes:
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Sensory fidget tools
  • Sunglasses
  • A communication card

We are committed to ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and supported during their time at the Garden.

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See our Long-Range Calendar

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