Sensory-friendly events provide safe place children on the Autism spectrum

May 4, 2018 11:57 am

By: Melissa Randall

Twitter: @MRandallABC6

NORTH DARTMOUTH, M.A. (WLNE-TV) – A growing number of ‘sensory–friendly’ events aim to give safe space for children on the Autism spectrum.

This weekend Bay State Gymnastics will host one of these events. Jocelyn Pacheco of New Bedford is looking forward to taking her son, 5-year-old Zaire.

“My son is very active. He likes to climb and jump. He particular loves the trampoline,” she said.

Pacheco likes to expose her son to events like this, but it’s not always easy. Zaire has Autism and certain situations can be overwhelming.

“We did isolate for a little bit because I was like oh my goodness. Where can I bring him to do things without having an uproar or other parents gawking at us?” she said.

Sensory friendly events, like the one at the gym seem to make all the difference. This one in particular is being put on by a group called “Talk About Curing Autism” or TACA.

“W bring them into the gym and they’re able to run and spin and jump and partake in a lot of the equipment here which helps to give that input to their bodies and brains and meet the need that their body is struggling to try to work with,” explained Nicole William, the local coordinator for TACA.

While the kids play, caregivers are able to talk to connect with one another and to get valuable resources. Pacheco came last year and started implementing some of the ideas right away.

“We’ve seen extreme improvements in his behavior, cognitive responses, and eye contact,” she said.

“When the child improves, the whole quality of the family improves and that’s our goal,” said Williams.

Rachel Hallett is the gram manager. She says staff members look forward to working with the kids during these events and are proud to offer their support.

“Watching these kids learn and grow is a special part of what we do and seeing all of our staff connect with these kids is also really amazing,” she said.

Pacheco hopes more businesses take note and make space available too.

“Hopefully this creates awareness for other establishments to promote these type of events so that these kids can get out and have more opportunities to socialize,” she said.

This weekend’s event is already filled up, but another could be happening in the future.