During the month of April, The Autism Society celebrates National Autism Awareness Month in their nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Throughout April and beyond, businesses and non-profits from all over the Garden State are involved in the autism effort. Whether it be a fundraising walk, a sensory friendly performance, or a special night for those with special abilities, there is a growing list of events designed for New Jersey families living with autism.
Sensory Friendly Films
Where: AMC locations throughout NJ
When: Four showings per month
Price: Cost of movie admission
Details: AMC Theatres has partnered with The Autism Society to offer special movie screenings for families living with autism or other special needs. They turn up the lights and turn down the sound so children are free to interact with the movie. There are 10 participating theaters in NJ that offer these sensory-friendly showings.
More info: www.amctheatres.com
Sensory Rebound
Where: BounceU, 1205 Warren Avenue, Cherry Hill
When: First Tuesday of every month from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Price: $8.95 per child
Details: This event provides special needs children with a safe, fun place to enjoy open play. The large indoor space gives kids and their families plenty of room to bounce around and play. Many other New Jersey BounceU locations feature specialized bounces. Reservations are recommended.
More info: www.bounceu.com or call 856-429-6400
Sing Along with The Muppet Movie
Where: McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton
When: April 2 at 2:00 pm
Price: $25.00 (includes movie and goody bag)
Details: Celebrate Autism Awareness Day with a special performance of the Muppet Movie! The show has been adapted to provide a safe environment for those with autism, learning differences or other sensory and communication needs so that they and their families can enjoy live theater together. Professional staff will be on hand to assist parents and caregivers, and there will be activity and relaxation areas in the lobby.
More Info: www.mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787
Autism Awareness Night
Where: Red Bull Arena, 600 Cape May St, Harrison
When: April 9 at 7:00 pm
Price: $30.00 – $209.00
Details: The New York Red Bulls will host Autism Awareness Night at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, when the Red Bulls take on Sporting Kansas City. As part of the event, the Red Bulls will welcome children and adults with Autism and their families to Red Bull Arena, and donate a portion of ticket sales to Autism Speaks. Fans should use promotional code Autism2016 when purchasing tickets in order to donate a portion of their sale to Autism Speaks.
More Info: http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/AutismAwareness or call 1.877.727.6223
The Sky Above
Where: Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg
When: April 2 and May 7 at 5:00 pm
Price: $8.00 per person
Details: The planetarium’s one-hour sensory friendly program includes music, videos, planets, the Moon, constellations, and laser lights. The doors will remain open so that children can come and go. In addition, the lights will be left dim and the audio lowered. The number of seats is limited and advance reservations are suggested.
More info: www.raritanval.edu or call 908-231-8805
Special Abilities Night
Where: Storybook Land, 6415 East Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township
When: April 15 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Price: $16.95 per person
Details: Storybook Land opens its doors to those with special needs to explore and enjoy at their own pace. The theme park will be sensory friendly with reduced lights and noise. Ticket sales are limited to avoid overcrowding and long wait times.
More info: www.storybookland.com or call 609-646-0103
Special Abilities Night
Where: Diggerland USA, 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin
When: April 22 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Price: $17.95 per person
Details: Special Abilities Nights at Diggerland (SAND) provide a fun, judgment-free night for children with special needs to enjoy with their friends and family. Kids will love climbing, driving and riding real construction equipment! Ticket sales are limited, free ear plugs are offered and the sensory input from lights and noise is reduced.
More info: www.diggerlandusa.com or call 856-768-1110
Walk for a Difference
Where: First Energy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood
When: April 23 at 11:00 am
Price: Fundraising dollars
Details: Join Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) at the home of the Lakewood BlueClaws as they walk to raise funds for the families and teachers of children and adults with autism. This fun event includes food, an autism resource fair and live entertainment.
More info: www.poacwalk.org
Bowling for Autism
Where: Stelton Lanes, 1665 Stelton Road, Piscataway
When: April 24 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Price: $15 for adults, $12 for children
Details: Get out the bowling shoes for an afternoon of bowling with MyGOAL Autism as they raise funds and awareness for individuals living with autism. Reserve a spot and create a team online in advance.
More info: www.mygoalautism.org or call 877-886-9462
Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could
Where: Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick
When: May 1 at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Price: $25 per person
Details: These performances by Brady Rymer and his band are part of the State Theatre’s inaugural autism-friendly performances program. Dance and sing along to the band’s upbeat tunes that celebrate children of all abilities.
More info: www.statetheatrenj.org or call 732-246-7469
Sensory Friendly Theatre
Where: Union County Performing Arts Center, 1601 Irving Street, Rahway
When: May 1 at 2:00 pm
Price: $8 per person
Details: Children are invited to NJ Ballet’s special performance of the classic tale Sleeping Beauty. This live production has been designed and adapted for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
More info: www.ucpac.org or call 732-499-8226
Shore Walk for a Brighter Tomorrow
Where: Seaside Park Boardwalk, Seaside Park
When: May 7 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Price: Fundraising dollars
Details: Enjoy a beautiful day on the Boardwalk while helping the Family Resource Network raise funds to support their programs. This fun-filled event includes live music, face painting, exhibits and more.
More info: www.familyresourcenetwork.org or call 609-392-4900
Open Arms
Where: Garden State Discovery Museum, 2040 Springdale Road, Suite 100, Cherry Hill
When: May 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Price: Free
Details: On select Sunday nights, the museum invites families for a relaxing night of fun and exploration. Meet other families with children on the autism spectrum and socialize with them in a safe and interactive environment. No pre-registration required.
More info: www.discoverymuseum.com or call 856-424-1233
Pedal for the Puzzle
Where: Somerset Hills Learning Institute, 1810 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster
When: May 21 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
Price: $75 for adults, $20 for children 6-12, free for kids 5 & under
Details: Bring the whole family along and raise funds to support people with autism and their loved ones. This event features a children’s bike rodeo, along with food, fun activities and prizes.
More info: www.pedalforthepuzzle.com or call 908-658-9900
Autism Speaks Walk
Where: MetLife Stadium, 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
When: May 22 at 1:00 pm
Price: Fundraising dollars
Details: Join Autism Speaks at this walk that brings the autism community together to increase public awareness and raise funds to support research. Activities and a community resource fair will take place before the walk from 11 am to 1 pm.
More info: www.walknowforautismspeaks.org
Ride For Autism
Where: Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft
When: June 11 at 7:00 am
Price: $55-65 for adults, $10 for children
Details: This one-day charity bicycle tour raises funds for Autism New Jersey, as well as autism awareness in the community. Every year up to 800 riders of all levels participate. There are five routes to choose from, ranging in length from 10 to 100 miles.
More info: www.ride4autism.org or call 609-588-8200
Hero (Top) Feature Image: vetre/Depositphotos, Inc.
Additional Body Images (In Order) Courtesy:
AMC Theatres
BounceU of Cherry Hill
McCarter Theatre Center
Raritan Valley CC
Storybook Land
Diggerland USA
POAC Walk
MyGoal Autism Organization
State Theatre
Union County Performing Arts Center
The Family Resource Network
Garden State Discovery Museum
Pedal for the Puzzle
Autism Speaks®
Ride for Autism