Supporting Autistic Children at Sporting Events

We all know that electric feeling when we step into a stadium - the buzz of energy, the smell of stadium food, the heart-pounding music, and the lively marching band. It's an experience like no other.

But, for many of our autistic kids, the atmosphere of a stadium can be extremely overwhelming. The bright lights, roaring crowds, and booming sounds can sometimes trigger sensory sensitivities, making it a challenge for them to fully enjoy the event.

So how can we support our autistic children at the stadium, whether that is a classic game of baseball or an exciting match of football, soccer or rugby?

Experts agree that managing sensory sensitivities is the best way to have your child enjoy a game at the stadium. This includes using noise-canceling headphones, wearing sunglasses and/or a hat, and taking breaks in a space where there are no people. In many stadiums and public places, sensory-friendly rooms are becoming more accessible. You could also seek a medical room or a quiet corner or staircase somewhere in the stadium. If your child has aversions to strong smells, you could consider bringing a mask with you for your child to wear.

Many parents have long traditions of going to a baseball game or seeing a rival football team face off every fall. It is possible to continue these traditions with your autistic child. It might take extra preparation and may look a little different from when you were a kid, but it will be worth it.

Dr. Jeanne Eichler and Dr. Amanda Troillett have teamed up to create an amazing article on this very topic. They've got a treasure trove of tips and tricks to help your kids navigate the stadium like pros. They talk about each sense and how you can support your child through these sensitivities. They suggest things like wearing weighted or compressive clothing to help with proprioception. They also advise you to find space where your child can do wall pushups and stomp their feet to get some movement breaks. They also suggest dressing your child in layers so they don't get too hot or too cold.

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