Autism and sensory-friendly: 25 places to go in New Jersey, New York City, Philly area
Kelly-Jane Cotter
Take your seat.
Turn off your cell phone and all other electronic devices.
Pay attention and look at the stage
Be quiet. Don't talk, or sing or move around. Do not be disruptive.
For most theatergoers, these rules are all about common courtesy.
But for patrons with autism, it can be a daunting task to follow etiquette. And it can be downright scary to be in a new place such as a theater, with a crowd of strangers and assigned seats and darkness and the unpredictability of what happens on the stage.
As recently as eight years ago, families with Autism Spectrum Disorder had few options for art and entertainment. It was much easier to stay home than to risk upsetting a child or adult family member with ASD. And when they did venture out, they also risked feeling the cold stares of other guests, who didn't understand autism. Outbursts and odd behavior could be chalked up to bad parenting, plain and simple.
Luckily, the world at large has become more attuned to the social needs of people with ASD, perhaps because there are so many people on the spectrum.
Autistic youth are many in New Jersey
Nationally, the rate of children identified with ASD is 1 in 68, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Boys are four times as likely as girls to have autism. This statistic is based on the CDC's evaluation of health and educational records of 8-year-old children in 2012 in 11 states, including New Jersey.
New Jersey had the highest rate of autism of all the states in the study: 1 in 41, or 2.5 percent of all children in New Jersey. However, experts believe this may be because of differences in how children are diagnosed and treated from state to state.
Theaters and other venues that reach out to families with ASD provide a valuable service: a chance for an underserved population to enjoy recreation and the arts, and a chance for other patrons to develop empathy and understanding for these families.
Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn was an early adapter, beginning training in 2010 and staging its first autism-friendly performance in the spring of 2011. Lisa Cooney, director of education, remembers the impetus for the new programming.
"We had a family from Maplewood who came to see 'Peter Pan' with a son who was autistic," Cooney recalled. "He could not tolerate it, and they left after a few minutes."
From that disappointment came the inspiration for Saturday morning children's shows and main stage productions that would appeal to patrons with ASD while maintaining artistic integrity.
"Children with autism often don't understand body language, pantomime, sarcasm, metaphors," Cooney said. "Things have to be more literal. And the whole convention of children's theater is to use your imagination, right? So the changes are small. We would ask an actor to hold a real tea cup, rather than pantomime drinking from a tea cup."
Occasionally, a production will condense a scene or change a line of dialogue.
"Some people with autism have echolalia, so they repeat what they hear without understanding it," Cooney said, "and that can be embarrassing to families, especially if there's profanity."
In the Christmas musical "Elf," Cooney said, there was one line that came after a character was tempted to indulge in holiday sweets.
"She says, 'Screw you, Jenny Craig!' " Cooney said. "And that always got laughs, so we didn't want to cut it out. But we changed it to, "Take that, Jenny Craig!"
Like most theaters that welcome ASD audiences, Paper Mill keeps the house lights on and the sound level consistent during autism-friendly shows. There is nothing jarring in the performance.
"I'll wave a glow stick to warn parents if a change is coming that might surprise their children, so that they can put on the headphones or otherwise distract them," Cooney said.
Theater:Judy Garland storms the stage at Paper Mill Playhouse
Patrons are allowed to use noise-canceling headphones, cell phones or other electronics as objects of comfort, and are permitted to leave their seats and react to the performance however the mood strikes them. If they feel overwhelmed, patrons can go to a a quiet activity room, where they can watch the performance on a video monitor.
The State Theatre in New Brunswick and Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway are among area theaters that offer "social narratives" to ASD families, which include primers on theater-going and summaries of productions. This helps prepare autistic patrons for what they'll encounter at a theater.
Children's television also has broadened its storylines to include characters with autism. In 2010, "Arthur" introduced Carl, a character with Asperger's syndrome. And in March, "Sesame Street" debuted its first Muppet with autism, named Julia.
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The following venues and organizations are among those that offer autism-friendly programming:
1. Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium has a special viewing area of the shark exhibit for patrons with autism. Patrons also can borrow sound-reducing headphones at no charge, and weighted blankets for a $10 refundable deposit.
The aquarium is least crowded in late summer, fall and early winter. To avoid crowds from field trips and other groups, it's best to visit before 11 a.m. on weekdays or after 2 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Go: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Drive, Camden. Hours: Opens at 9:30 a.m. Usually closes at 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the day. Cost: $32, or $24 for ages two through 12. Info: 844-474-3474 or adventureaquarium.com.
2. AMC Theatres
Lights up, sound down, audience is free to move around!
AMC's Sensory-Friendly Film Program screens movies for all ages on the second and fourth Saturday and for mature audiences on Tuesday nights. Participating locations include Clifton, Elizabeth, Freehold, Hamilton, Mountainside, New Brunswick, Wayne and West Orange, as well as five theaters in New York City and five in Philadelphia.
Go: amctheatres.com.
3. American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History, in New York, runs The Discovery Squad from 9 to 10 a.m. on select Saturday mornings, offering 40-minute guided tours of museum highlights, as well as time to explore the Discovery Room before the museum opens to the public at 10 a.m. Families are welcome to stay after the tour and enjoy regular museum hours, too. Tours are geared toward ages 5 to 9 and 10 to 14.
Upcoming dates are Nov. 16 and Dec. 14. Dates in 2020 inclule Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 14. Tickets are free, but advance registration is required by calling 212-313-7565 or e-mailing accessibility@amnh.org.
Go: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Manhattan. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily. Cost: General admission is $23, or $13 for children ages 2 to 12, and $18 for seniors and students. Info: 212-769-5100 or amnh.org.
4. Bowlero
Bowlero offers many social clubs and bowling leagues, including two that are designed for ASD and other special needs. Both are accepting new bowlers: the Piscataway Chiefs, who meet at 7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Nov. 7; and the NJ Hawks, who meet at 10 a.m. Saturdays, beginning Nov. 9.
Go: Bowlero, 1 Carolier Lane, North Brunswick. Info: 732-846-2424 or bowlero.com.
5. Broadway
Broadway has led the way in autism-friendly performances. On Oct. 2, 2011, the Theatre Development Fund launched the Autism Theatre Initiative (ATI) with the Disney musical "The Lion King." It was the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show.
Many more have followed. For the latest autism-friendly dates, go to tdf.org.
6. Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese locations open two hours early on the first Sunday of every month for "Sensory Sundays," with reduced lighting and noise, food, games and a trained staff. The program began in 2016.
Participating New Jersey locations include Brick, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Deptford, East Hanover, Edison, Jersey City, Mays Landing, Paramus, Union, Wayne and West Windsor.
7. Diggerland
The construction site-themed amusement park offers judgment-free Special Abilities Nights several times a year.
Go: Diggerland, Cooper Road, off Route 73, West Berlin. Hours: Vary by season. Cost: Admission starts at $30 for people under 42 inches tall, and at $37 for those over 42 inches tall. Info: 856-768-1110 or diggerlandusa.com.
8. Franklin Institute
Sensory-Friendly Sundays run from 8 a.m. to noon. Exhibits are modified, with trained staff and volunteers on hand, and a quiet space is available.
Free admission is available for pre-registered guests, as well as for guests arriving between 8 and 9:30 a.m. Free admission is offered for up to six people per group. Pre-registration closes at 5 p.m. on the Friday before the event. Regular museum admission applies after 9:30 a.m. unless pre-registered.
On all days, sensory backpacks can be borrowed from the Information Desk. These contain sensory guide alerts, noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses and fidgets.
The Franklin Institute is least crowded on weekday afternoons and weekends. Weekday mornings during the summer are usually prime time for field trips. The museum recommends visiting quieter exhibits, such as "Amazing Machine" and "Space."
The Franklin Institute offers a "try again" rain check if the visit doesn't work out in your first half hour.
Go: Franklin Institute, 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cost: Tickets start at $23, or $19 for ages three to 11. Info: 215-448-1200 or fi.edu.
9. The Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
The Intrepid welcomes guests of all abilities aboard the aircraft carrier. Patrons can make use of the museum's sensory bags, which include noise-reduction headphones and fidget toys, as well as social narratives and other guides geared toward special needs. Lightweight stools can be borrowed for easy seating throughout the museum. Specialized programming and tours are also available.
Go: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum,12th Avenue at 46th Street, on Pier 86, Manhattan. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and until 6 p.m. weekends and holidays in spring and summer. Cost: General admission is $33, or $31 for seniors 65 and older, and $24 for children ages five to 12. Info: 212-245-0072 or intrepidmuseum.org.
10. Kean Stage
Kean Stage offers sensory-friendly shows in its regular season.
Upcoming performances include:
Jan. 24, 2020: "Dog Man: The Musical." Details TBA.
Feb. 8, 2020: "Alice In Wonderland." Aimed at grades 1 through 5. Show time is 11 a.m. in Wilkins Theatre. Tickets are $15.
April 16, 2020: "Llama Llama Live!" Details TBA.
May 3, 2020: "Charlotte's Web." Show time is 3 p.m. in Wilkins Theatre. Tickets are $15.
May 7, 2020: "Miss Nelson Has A Field Day." Details TBD.
Go: Kean Stage, Kean University, 1000 Morris Ave., Union. Info: 908-737-7469 or keanstage.com.
11. Kimmel Center
The Kimmel Center offers sensory-friendly programming, as well as ASL interpretation, at venues throughout its campus.
The Kimmel Center partners with Art-Reach, a Philadelphia-based organization that creates access to the arts for people with disabilities or who live on a low income. The Temple University Occupational Therapy Program, a partner of Art-Reach, created pre-visit materials for sensory-friendly shows.
Theater adjustments include modified sound and house lights and designated quiet areas, as well as relaxed house rules, allowing patrons to move around, talk and react as they wish during the performance. Patrons are welcome to bring their own stress relief devices, or they can borrow sensory-friendly kits, donated by TD Bank, with noise-canceling headphones, weighted bean bags and fidget toys. The kits are available for children and adults. To reserve a kit, call Ticket Philadelphia at 215-875-7633 (TTY) or 215-893-1999.
Upcoming sensory-friendly performances include:
Nov. 23: "The Rainbow Fish," a children's show based on Marcus Pfister's stories. Show time is noon in the Merriam Theater.
Dec. 30: "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker" by The Pennsylvania Ballet at the Academy Of Music. Show time is noon.
Nov. 16, Feb. 8 and March 21: "Sound All Around" with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Charlotte Blake Alston in the Academy Of Music Ballroom. Designed for ages 3 through 5, the concert introduces diferent families of instruments. Show times are 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. each date in the Academy Of Music Ballroom.
March 7: "Carnival Of The Animals," a Family Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra in Verizon Hall. A performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ "Carnival of the Animals," for all ages, at 11:30 a.m.
May 2: "The Life And Times Of Beethoven: Symphony No. 5" with The Philadelphia Orchestra in Verizon Hall. Nigel Taproot offers facts and trivia about the composer, interspersed with the Fifth Symphony.
Go: The Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad St. at Spruce St., along the Avenue of the Arts in Center City, Philadelphia. Info: 215-790-5800 or kimmelcenter.org.
12. Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center offers sensory maps and social narratives to facilitate visits by patrons with ASD. On Special Needs Days, the museum offers live science presentations, activities and theater shows tailored to people with ASD and other special needs. The next Special Needs Day is Dec. 3. Pre-registration is required.
Liberty Science Center also has a small drop-off area in the parking lot for patrons with special needs. Enter from Phillips Street.
Go: Liberty Science Center, Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Cost: General admission is $25, or $20 for children ages two through 12. Parking is $7. Info: 201-253-1310 or lsc.org.
13. Mayo Performing Arts Center
Sensory-friendly performances offer lights up, modified sound, a quiet room, and the ability to get out of your seat so children with autism and special needs can share in these family experiences.
The following shows are autism-friendly, with ticket prices from $12 to $15:
Jan. 19: "Angelina The Ballerina," for ages three to eight. 4:30 p.m. performance only.
Feb. 2: "Pete The Cat," for ages three to eight. Show time is 4 p.m.
March 16: "The Cat In The Hat," for ages three to eight. Show time is 4 p.m.
April 19: "Llama Llama -- Live!" For ages two to eight. 4:30 p.m. performance only.
Go: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 1000 South St., Morristown. Info: 973-539-8008 or mayoarts.org.
14. Metropolitan Museum Of Art
The Met offers visitors a sensory map, highlighting which areas of the museum have natural or subdued light, which areas tend to be quiet or noisy, crowded or uncrowded.
Go: Metropolitan Museum Of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at East 82nd St., Manhattan. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Cost: $25, or $17 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for students. Children under 12 are admitted free. Info: 212-535-7710 or metmuseum.org.
15. Paper Mill Playhouse
A leader in autism-friendly theater, Paper Mill has the following performances scheduled:
Dec. 8: "Dogman: The Musical,' for ages six and up. Show time is 10 a.m. A "Meet Your Seat" open house is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6.
Dec. 26: "Rogers & Hammerstein's Cinderella," for ages four and up. "Meet Your Seat" is from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 20.
June 14, 2020: "Charlotte's Web," for ages four and up. "Meet Your Seat" is from 3 to 5 p.m. June 12.
Go: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Dr., Millburn. Info: 973-376-4343 or papermill.org.
16. Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium
Sensory-friendly, judgment-free program includes music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, the moon and constellations. Content is presented on a kindergarten level. Doors are left open so kids can come and go. Lights are dimmed and sound is lowered and kept at a consistent level.
Upcoming dates are Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10. Call for reservations: 908-231-8805.
Go: Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg. Info: 908-526-1200 or raritanval.edu.
17. Red Bulls soccer
In 2017, the New York Red Bulls became the first Major League Soccer team to establish a "Permanent Sensory Room" as a place for patrons with autism to take a break from the stimulating, high-energy atmosphere of a professional soccer match.
The Red Bulls transformed executive office space at the arena, located in Harrison, New Jersey, into a soothing area with dimmed lighting and lightly-colored walls. Visual aids, fidget toys, and sensory sacks filled with headphones, stress balls and other coping tools are available for families to use.
The Red Bulls also host an Autism Awareness Night during the season.
Families who would like access to the Permanent Sensory Room can do so at no extra charge, via Guest Services.
Go: Red Bulls soccer, Red Bull Arena, 600 Cape May St., Harrison. Info: 877-727-6223 or newyorkredbulls.com.
18. Sahara Sam's
The next Special Needs Night at the indoor water park is Nov. 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $18.95.
Go: Sahara Sam's, 535 Route 73, West Berlin. Info: 856-767-7580 or saharasams.com.
19. Sesame Place
In 2018, Sesame Place became the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center, as designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.
What that means for families is that guests with autism can now be assured of trained staff, ride accessibility, quiet rooms and low-sensory areas and access to noise-canceling headphones. Assistance is available for autism-friendly dining options and parade-viewing. Julia, the character with autism on "Sesame Street," also will be at the park, greeting children.
Go: Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Hours: Vary by season and day. Cost: A one-day ticket costs $50 for ages two and up. Info: 215-702-3566 or sesameplace.com
20. Sky Zone
Music is turned off and distractions are minimized during sensory-friendly hours at Sky Zone trampoline parks.
SkyZone locations in Allenwood, Lakewood, Mount Olive, Pine Brook, South Plainfield and Springfield have offered sensory-sensitive hours. Check website for updates and details.
Go:skyzone.com
21. State Theatre
The State Theatre's "Milk & Cookies" series, aimed at the youngest theater-goers, ages three to 10, includes sensory-friendly performances at noon:
Nov. 2: "The Bilingual Birdies;" Dec. 7: "City Stomp;" Jan. 11: "Mr. Pennygaff's Cirkus Sideshow Spectacular;" Feb. 8, Mr. Ray; March 7: Princeton Symphony Orchestra Bravo Percussion Ensemble; April 25: Charlotte Blake Alston; May 16: Joanie Leeds.
Go: State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Info: 732-246-7469 or stnj.org.
22. Two River Theater Company
Two River Theater Company offers autism-friendly Relaxed Performances throughout the season, as well as theater classes for adults with autism.
Patrons who have difficulty sitting still in a theater seat, like to verbally respond during a performance or have sensitivity issues or special needs, may find these performances a good fit. Small adjustments are made to lighting and sound, and a designated quiet activity and relaxation area is provided within the theater.
Upcoming Relaxed Performances include:
Nov. 23: "Love In Hate Nation." Show time is 3 p.m.
Feb. 1, 2020: "A Little Shakespeare: Twelfth Night"
Go: Two River Theatre Company, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. Info: 732-345-1400 or tworivertheater.org.
23. Union County Arts Center
Sensory-friendly performances at Union County Arts Center run 60 minutes. Seating is general admission and a limited number of tickets are sold to keep crowd size comfortable. Lights remain on, sound is lowered and consistent, to prevent jarring, abrupt sounds.
Children can talk or vocalize as they wish, and may leave their seats if accompanied by a parent or guardian. The UPAC cafe will have a private area for children and families to relax. Fidget toys will be available to borrow, and autism specialists will be on hand to assist as needed. A social story is available for download, to help prepare patrons for the visit. Upcoming performances include:
Nov. .10: "Max & Ruby Musical Playdate." Both shows, at 1 and 2:30 p.m. are sensory-friendly. A character parade takes place at 12:45 p.m. and at the conclusion of the 2:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $8.
Nov 24: "The Nutcracker." American Repertory Ballet abridges its production to make it more accessible to children and adults with special needs. Show time is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Go: Union County Arts Center, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Info: 732-499-8226 or ucpac.org.
24. Whitney Museum Of American Art
Every three months, the Whitney invites families with kids on the autism spectrum for sensory-friendly gallery activities and a hands-on art-making workshop before the museum opens to the general public. During this drop-in program, families will explore a current Whitney exhibition and create their own art inspired by works on view. Program is for kids ages six and up. Registration is required: accessfeedback@whitney.org.
The Whitney also offers a social narrative to prepare patrons with ASD.
Go: Whitney Museum Of American Art, 99 Gansevoort St., between 10th Avenue and Washington Street, Manhattan. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily except closed Tuesdays. Cost: $25, or $18 for students, seniors and visitors with disabilities. Free for ages 18 and under. Info: 212-570-3600 or whitney.org.
25. William Paterson University's Shea Center for the Performing Arts
Since 2013, the Shea Center for Performing Arts has served more than 3,500 patrons with its sensory-friendly shows.
Upcoming performances include "The Little Engine That Could," at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 20. Tickets are $8.
Go: William Paterson University's Shea Center for the Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne. Info: 973-720-3178 or wpunj.edu.
Hi, there! I'm Kelly-Jane Cotter. I can keep you posted on fun things to do. Read more of my stories below, follow me @KellyJaneCotter, reach me at kcotter@gannettnj.com.
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