Sensory-Friendly Accommodations for Sporting Events

Sporting Events and Autism

Attending a live event can be an exciting experience for kids. However, for neurodivergent kids, it can also present unique challenges. Events like concerts and sport games often involve loud noises, large crowds, and bright lights, which can create an overstimulating environment for those who have sensory sensitivities. However, these sensitivities shouldn’t limit neurodivergent individuals from being able to participate in these fun and exciting activities. This blog will highlight various things that families can do to adjust and prepare neurodivergent individuals with sensory sensitivities during their visit at live events.

Planning your Visit

Preparing your child for an event goes beyond just telling them what to expect—it’s about helping them feel comfortable and confident (FAU, 2023). Start by talking about the event beforehand, discussing what will happen, and showing them pictures or videos of the venue if possible. Social stories can also be a helpful tool to ease your child’s anxiety and give them a clear idea of what’s ahead (Seeburger, 2022). It’s also important to consider your child’s interests and sensitivities when choosing the event. For example, if your child isn’t a fan of basketball, a loud and crowded game might not be the best choice. Instead, work with your child to find an event that sparks their interest (FAU, 2023). Additionally, think about any sensory sensitivities that could affect their experience. For a child who’s hyperactive, fidget toys or a tablet can help keep them engaged. For individuals who are sensitive to loud sounds, noise-canceling headphones or earplugs might be necessary. For tactile sensitivities, allow individuals to pick out an outfit that they feel comfortable in. Lastly, for individuals who are sensitive to bright lights or overwhelming visuals, wearing sunglasses or a hat to shield their eyes can make a significant difference.

At the Event

Many arenas across the country are now offering sensory-friendly spaces to make events more accessible for neurodivergent fans. For example, in Detroit, all three major sporting arenas either have or are in the process of installing sensory rooms for guests to use during live events. Outside of Detroit, the Philadelphia Eagles have also made significant strides through their autism foundation, working to make sports more inclusive for fans with autism. They were one of the first major sports organizations to build a sensory room in their stadium, as well as advocate for the host venue to include a sensory room for fans to use beforehand when they played in the Super Bowl in 2023 (Glasspiegel, 2023). The NHL is also following suit, advocating for more neurodivergent-friendly accommodations at their games and venues.

Despite these efforts, your child may still find some sensory inputs overwhelming. To help manage this, consider taking quiet breaks in less noisy areas of the venue where your child can decompress. Short walks around the venue can also offer your child a chance to move and reset. When choosing your seats, think about your child’s tactile preferences—if they seek tactile input, placing them in the middle of your group may be more comforting. Lastly, if you can anticipate loud sounds, such as a buzzer going off at a basketball game, preparing your child in advance—especially if they aren’t wearing headphones or earplugs—can help them feel more at ease when the noise happens (North Shore Pediatric Therapy, n.d.).