Chuck E. Cheese’s® Launches National Expansion of ‘Sensory Sensitive Sundays’
Chuck E. Cheese’s® and Center for Autism and Related Disorders™ (CARD) today announced the national expansion of Sensory Sensitive Sundays, a joint event at Chuck E. Cheese’s locations across the U.S. and Canada. The program aims to provide children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other special needs the opportunity to experience the fun of visiting Chuck E. Cheese’s in a sensory-friendly environment.
After a successful three-month test run at 54 locations in the Northeast, and due to overwhelming interest in the program from parents and autism organizations alike, both organizations decided to expand Sensory Sensitive Sundays to include 355 Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurants nationwide. The program officially launches Sunday, April 2, in recognition of World Autism Awareness Day.
“Our tagline is where a kid can be a kid, and we want to ensure we extend this ideal to kids who otherwise may not be able to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s due to the sensory overload,” said Ami Anderson, senior director of advertising and media at CEC Entertainment. “We’re excited to be able to offer this program nationally beginning next month, with an exceptional leader in the autism field like CARD.”
Offered two hours before the restaurant opens to the general public, the sensory-sensitive program provides the opportunity for families in the autism community to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese’s with smaller crowds, dimmed lighting, the show and music turned down or off, and limited appearances of costumed characters, all of which makes for an environment more suitable for children who face sensory challenges.
“Chuck E. Cheese’s has been a great partner in CARD’s effort to expand opportunities for children with special needs and their families to have fun in a supportive, safe environment,” said Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D, CARD founder and CEO.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays will take place on the first Sunday of every month beginning Sunday, April 2, followed by May 7, June 4, July 2, etc. A list of the 355 locations participating in the program can be found by visiting chuckecheese.com/sensory-sensitive-sundays.
