my hand stamp or give my ticket to the aquarium staff when ... will learn from, answer my questions and help me if I get
My visit to Mystic Aquarium
Today I will visit Mystic Aquarium. There is so much to see and do at the aquarium. I will have fun today and learn a lot of new things.
I will know I am there when I see the white awning from the parking lot.
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When I get to the aquarium, I will wait in line at the ticket window. I will wait patiently for my turn.
The aquarium staff may put a stamp on my hand. It will not hurt me when I feel the stamp being put on my hand. I will show my hand stamp or give my ticket to the aquarium staff when entering the aquarium.
The aquarium staff wear BLUE clothes and a badge to identify them. They are adults that I will learn from, answer my questions and help me if I get lost in the aquarium.
I will decide, with the people I am visiting the aquarium with, what exhibits to see. I can ask a staff person for a VISITOR MAP so I can decide what I would like to see. I can also use the map to identify places to eat, restrooms, elevators, photo spots and exits. 2
If I have questions, I can visit the information desk. They have information about animal encounter programs and where things are located within the aquarium.
The aquarium can be exciting and loud, and I will try to stay calm. I will hear music and some people’s voices. If the Aquarium gets too loud, my group and I can find a QUIET SPACE to sit and take a break. In the quiet space I can take slow, deep breaths until I am ready to explore more.
Most of the animals will be behind glass. It is important that I look through the glass but not tap on it. Tapping can disturb the animals.
I will see some of the animals through small windows. This area can be crowded so I will try to wait my turn.
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There are some exhibits where I can stand close to the tank and look over the edge. It is important that I keep my hands out of the water while looking at the animals.
There are also exhibits where I CAN touch animals. The animals will not hurt me. I will not pick them up out of the water. I will touch them very gently with 2 fingers so I don’t hurt them. These animals need to stay underwater because they need water to breathe.
In the MAIN GALLERY of the Mystic Aquarium I can see jellies, sharks, coral reef, fish and so much more.
I can see California Sea Lions put on a live show in the FOXWOODS MARINE THEATER. The theater is also in the Main Gallery of the Mystic Aquarium on the second floor. To get there, I can choose to walk up the steps or use the elevator located outside. Sea lion shows are scheduled at different times each day. Shows can be exciting and loud, and I will try to stay calm. Many people enjoy watching the live animal show and I will enjoy it too. 4
I can visit the OCEAN EXPLORATION CENTER to see the TITANIC EXHIBIT. This building is not attached to the main gallery and is found near the penguin café. I can even watch a movie in the OCEAN EXPLORATION CENTER’S 4-D THEATER. I can check the show board to see what movies are playing the day I visit.
I can see New England’s only beluga whales outside at the ARCTIC COAST EXHIBIT.
The PACIFIC NORTHWEST EXHIBIT is home to the Steller sea lions, northern fur seals, and harbor seals.
I can walk along the MARSH TREK to get to the Penguin Exhibit.
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I can watch more than 28 African penguins above-and below-water at the ROGER TORY PETERSON PENGUIN PAVILION.
The MYSTIC AQUARIUM GIFT STORE is located next to the entrance/exit. There are lots of items to see. Store items are for Aquarium visitors to buy. It may be crowded in the store, so I will stay close to my group.
I may get hungry or thirsty while visiting the aquarium. The PENGUINS CAFE has food and drinks for visitors to buy. There are many tables and chairs inside and outside the café. This is the only area inside the Aquarium where I can EAT food or have a DRINK with my group. There is also a PICNIC AREA near the east end of the parking lot.
At the end of the visit, I will wave goodbye and leave the aquarium. I had a great day at MYSTIC AQUARIUM!
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This social story and learning tool is proudly brought to you by Autism Speaks
Special thanks to Kristen Anbari, the Autism Speaks Community Volunteer Leader of Southeastern Connecticut, for creating this social story and her son Austin, 6, who is on the autism spectrum, for “testing” it out. We are proud to partner with Mystic Aquarium to bring autism friendly days to our community.
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