Ethan Hariprasad smiled as he looked at the image on the camera's screen. The picture was of him, standing upside down in a subway car. It was impossible, of course, but there it was. 

Ethan and his mom, Paula Ramkelawan, were among more than 125 autistic children, adults, and family members who joined Autism Ontario on the Victoria Day long weekend for a visit to Toronto’s Museum of Illusions, a place dedicated to the Art of the Impossible. “He’s really enjoying himself,” Paula said. 

For Paula, the experience was about more than a day at the museum. It was about giving her son the opportunity to explore, participate, and enjoy new experiences. This is something that has not always been easy for their family. 

“I've twice been kicked out of camps,” said Paula. Although she was assured that her son being autistic would not be a problem, those assurances did not always translate into acceptance. “When he shows up, because he hits people or gets loud, I've been told to leave. It’s hypocrisy.”

For families like Paula’s, community events can help reduce some of the barriers that make recreational experiences difficult to access, from financial barriers to concerns about whether an environment will be accommodating.

It was also the first time visiting the Museum of Illusions for Joy Alma, Autism Ontario’s People and Family Experience Coordinator, who organized the event. 

“I didn't appreciate how long the Museum of Illusions had been here,” said Joy. “I think it had been something that had been on my radar, and I'd seen some social media about it. It just looked so cool, but I did not expect the kind of immersive experience it was going to be.” 

The museum’s interactive exhibits offered a variety of experiences that appealed to participants’ different interests and sensory preferences. 

“There were many cool little installations that appealed to sensory needs,” said Joy. Among the exhibits was a room that played with visual perspective and another room of mirrors that made it appear as though you were playing cards with yourself. “I could have never predicted it working out so well.” 

For Suchismita Rout, the day was about giving her son, Sheryanshu Parida, the chance to experience something new. 

“I just want my son to experience something different, now that he's growing bigger,” said Suchismita, while watching her son pose in the upside-down subway car room.  She had worked with him to become comfortable standing in front of a camera, but seeing him enjoy the moment made it worthwhile. “He's enjoying this; we’re all enjoying this.”

The most popular exhibit was the vortex, a swirling tunnel of light that captivated adults and children alike. 

“There was a young little guy who really wanted to go through,” Joy recalled. “He was holding my hand and pulling on my arm. He wasn't using any words, but he clearly expressed, ‘You're the person who's coming through this with me.’”  

Although the boy’s parents seemed embarrassed, Joy saw the moment differently. 

“It’s amazing that he had the confidence to grab my hand and express that he wants to go through this together,” she said. “Seeing the delight on his face – that was magical.” 

For Autism Ontario, moments like these are part of why creating accessible community experiences matters. 

“It's normally quite expensive,” Joy said. “But if your child wants to experience the vortex tunnel and make noise or do something in their own way, it can also be intimidating.” 

Through events like this, Autism Ontario helps create opportunities for autistic people and their families to participate in their communities with fewer barriers, turning experiences that may feel out of reach into moments of connection, confidence, and joy.