Sensory rooms offer shelter from the storm of frenzied sports events

For someone with autism, a visit to a pro sports game can be hard.

Those individuals may be challenged by the noise, lights and other stress-inducing elements at a stadium filled with frenzied fans.

But increasingly, they can find a welcome break in sensory rooms — spaces designed as a shelter for those with cognitive disorders.

“One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to overstimulation and noise,” the Philadelphia Union soccer team said in a statement earlier this year, when it opened a sensory room at its home, Subaru Park.

“With the addition of the Union, all Philadelphia major league sports teams and venues are now certified as sensory inclusive, becoming only the second city in the United States to achieve this,” the Chester team noted in April.

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Other venues adding sensory rooms this year include Wrigley Field in Chicago, Madison Square Garden in New York City, and Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

“With the prevalence rate of autism increasing to one in 36 children, the need for sensory-friendly resources and support for individuals on the spectrum are at an all-time high,” Ryan Hammond of the Eagles Autism Foundation said in September 2023.

That’s when the football team announced an update for its sensory room — "designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.”

What are sensory rooms?

With fans unable to return after leaving Lincoln Financial Field, an Eagles statement noted, the sensory room “allows guests to take breaks and then rejoin the experience.”While sensory rooms were created with the autism community at the forefront, individuals with PTSD, anxiety, dementia and other conditions benefit, too.The rooms typically offer a subdued setting with soothing lights, bean bag chairs, and a variety of activities for typically youthful visitors.

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The local rooms, including those at Wells Fargo Center and Citizens Bank Park, were created in partnership with KultureCity, an Alabama-nonprofit that advocates for people with "invisible disabilities."

KultureCity, founded in 2014, has certified more than 1,800 sensory-inclusive locations in this country and abroad. That process requires sites to train employees to recognize patrons with sensory issues and to know how to respond to problems.

The sites typically offer "sensory bags" with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys and verbal cue cards that can offer an alternative means of communication.

Also common: Weighted lap pads that can help relax a person with autism.

In addition, local businesses are offering services for those with sensory issues.

The Funplex amusement center in Mount Laurel, for instance, has toned-down its usually frenetic atmosphere for periodic “sensory nights.”

And Adventure Aquarium in Camden offers a quiet hour from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month.

“On Sensory Sundays, we lower the music, soften the lights, and reduce the crowds to create the most enjoyable experience for guests and families with sensory needs,” a spokesman said.

In addition to offering sensory bags, the aquarium puts signs in ‘headphone zones,” alerting visitors to louder areas and reminding them to use noise-canceling headphones, if needed.

A “designated quiet area” can be used as a private space for guests experiencing sensory overload.

What is the importance of being sensory inclusive?

“We strive to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all of our guests, including those with sensory needs,” noted Jennifer Porter, the aquarium’s executive director.

“The bigger picture is inclusivity,” said Kristen Jezior, a social worker from Magnolia.

She said a sensory room “gives families a chance to go [to a high-stimuli event] without worrying about who can't go.

“It gives them a chance to be a part of the community and their support system, gives them a chance to regroup and refresh,” Jezior continued.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.