Chuck E. Cheese's Opens Its Doors Early to Give Kids With Autism a Sensory-Sensitive Experience

For parents of kids with autism, arcades can be an absolute nightmare — blinking lights, tons of children running around, and enough blasting noise to send anyone into sensory overdrive. To ensure everyone can have a fun experience out at the arcade, Chuck E. Cheese's and the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) have teamed up to give children with autism and other disabilities a toned-down experience for the third year in a row, through an event they call "Sensory Sensitive Sundays."

Back in 2016, the Attleboro, MA, location first hosted this special event, which occurs on the first Sunday of every month. The early morning experience gives a children with autism and their families the chance to have an enjoyable time at Chuck E. Cheese's before the doors open to the rest of the public. "We are excited to provide a special opportunity every month for sensory sensitive families to enjoy their favorite pizza and games in a safe and friendly environment of tolerance and understanding," the Attleboro location's manager said in a press release back when the event first began.

At participating locations, Sensory Sensitive Sundays feature reduced noise, dimmed lighting, and limited appearances by Chuck E. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. These Chuck E. Cheese's locations are setting an incredible example, and we hope even more locations and other major family entertainment centers can soon follow their lead.