For parents of kids with autism [1], 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 [2] (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 [3], which occurs on the first Sunday of every month. The early morning experience gives a children with autism [4] 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 [5] back when the event first began.
At participating locations [7], 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.