Louisiana Children’s Museum Partners with Fish in a Tree to Offer Sensory Friendly Storytime

Louisiana Children’s Museum proudly announces its partnership with Fish in a Tree to offer a special series of sensory-friendly, neuro-affirming, storytime sessions hosted by the museum. This initiative is one of the many ways LCM delivers its mission to engage children and make their potential visible through play and exploration. Sessions will launch in June and are aimed at fostering inclusivity and celebrating neurodiversity within the community. 

Sensory Friendly Storytime is free and open to the public with museum admission. Registration is required and opens Friday, May 24. The first two sessions will take place on June 6 and June 18 at the museum. Space is limited in order to ensure that the experience is appropriate for children with sensory-specific needs. Visit the LCM website to check for future dates and times and to reserve your spot. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Fish in a Tree to enhance Sensory Friendly Storytime at Louisiana Children’s Museum,” said LCM Chief Learning Officer Dr. Shannon Blady. “This partnership aligns seamlessly with our mission to engage children through play to make their potential visible. By offering inclusive programming, we continue our work in creating a welcoming environment where all children can thrive.” 

Fish in a Tree, a neurodiversity community center, has been awarded a grant from the Beignet Fest Foundation to host Sensory Friendly Storytime at LCM twice a month for three months, starting in June. Sessions will offer an enriching experience for children and families alike. Engaging activities are tailored to neurodivergent children 0-8 with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, and more. These activities will feature neurodivergent actors reading neurodiversity-affirming stories. Additionally, caregivers will have access to educational resources and sensory activities designed to enhance understanding and build skills to support their children.  

“This is an innovative program that celebrates and supports neurodivergent children and their families,” said Bridgette Hebert Hamstead, founder and executive director of Fish in a Tree. “Sensory Friendly Storytime is fun, but it also empowers. It provides a space where neurodivergent kids can see themselves in the stories and the storytellers. It fosters a community that truly understands and values neurodiversity.” 

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About Louisiana Children’s Museum 

Louisiana Children’s Museum has long been known for its work in the community through innovative outreach and nationally recognized programs that support children and advance the museum’s mission to contributes to the region’s future prosperity by engaging children’s potential and making that potential visible. Through play, shared explorations, and in dialogue with adults, LCM connects children to each other, their caregivers, their environments, and the community. Keep up with Louisiana Children’s Museum and future announcements at lcm.org and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

About Fish in a Tree 

Fish in a Tree serves as a beacon for the celebration, understanding, and empowerment of neurodivergent people of all ages. Through its programs and initiatives, FIAT promotes social inclusion and advocates for the well-being of neurodiverse communities in the New Orleans area and beyond. Rooted in neurodiversity inclusivity, the center provides in person and virtual lectures, seminars, workshops, and classes for all ages. Operating under neuro-affirmation principles, it challenges traditional medical models, fostering inclusive spaces designed to reduce stress and anxiety and promote the authentic selves of neurodivergent people. More than a physical space, Fish in a Tree embodies dedication to nurturing neurodiversity and championing neuro-inclusivity and neuro-accessibility across all sectors. Learn more at fishinatreenola.org. 

About Beignet Fest Foundation 

All proceeds from Beignet Fest benefit the 501c3 nonprofit organization, Beignet Fest Foundation. The mission of the Beignet Fest Foundation is to celebrate, embrace and empower the lives of children with autism and their families. Each year, the Beignet Fest Foundation makes grants to support New Orleans-area programs that serve children with developmental delays. Learn more at beignetfest.com.