When Whitney King would take her son, Jo, to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, he would often cover his ears. Despite asking to go, almost as soon as they arrived, he was ready to leave.
Jo has autism. Noisy children, unexpected sounds from animals and the high-pitched whistle from the zoo’s electric train created sensory overload.
“I didn’t see his frustration as much during the early mornings when fewer people were there,” King said, which sparked an idea…