A great initiative.

Tayto Park is holding a day out especially for visitors with autism later this week. Its Autism Awareness Day takes place this Sunday 12 May to raise awareness of the condition. Tayto Park has put plans in place to make sure that those with autism and their friends and families can enjoy the day and the attractions as much as possible. There will be no music played throughout the park and hand dryers will be switched off for the whole day. Queues will also be kept to a minimum to avoid crowding, Tayto Park said in a statement. It has also created a visual guide for children with autism to help prepare them for a trip to the park. These 'social stories'  show the social interactions, situations, behaviours and skills that they might encounter on the day. Created with the help of Autism Ireland, they're designed to help children with autism break down each social situation into steps. Parents can find the social stories to print off here. The following weekend will see the park open to clubs and social groups for discounted rates. Groups from across the country are invited to Clubs Weekend on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, where they can get entry to all attractions for €19.50 each.

"Tayto Park is encouraging club members from all four corners of the country to wear their club colours over the weekend and enjoy the ultimate club day out with their friends and peers," the park said. "Clubs must pre-book and have the option of including a Special Kid’s lunch for just €4.95 per child."