KY Restaurant's 'Sensory Sensitive Sunday'

The excitement for Halloween is at a fever pitch, but for some kids, it can be too much to handle. One Kentucky restaurant understands that and is offering "Sensory Sensitive Sunday" this weekend.

'SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAY' AT CHUCK E. CHEESE

There's a Chuck E. Cheese in Paducah that has teamed up with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, which launched Sensory Sensitive Sundays in 2016. Normally held on the first Sunday of the month, it was apparently moved up to October 30th to coincide with Halloween. From the Chuck E. Cheese website:

Every kid should be able to celebrate the fun and joy of Halloween. That’s why Chuck E. Cheese locations nationwide* will open two hours early on October 30 for a Halloween Sensory Sensitive Sunday, a sensory-friendly dining and entertainment experience including sugar-free treats available upon entry.

WHAT ARE SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS?

During Sensory Sensitive Sundays, the sound effects and volume are either reduced or eliminated altogether to allow kids to enjoy all the Chuck E. Cheese activities comfortably.

About 40% of all autistic children deal with a condition known as hyperacusis. Northwestern University's Early Intervention Research Group explains:

Hyperacusis (say it with me: HY-per-uh-CUE-sis), is an increased sensitivity to sound that is commonly found among people with autism. This means that certain noises, such as classroom bells, the radio or the TV, may be uncomfortable for your child to hear. When a sound is distressing to a child, he or she may show discomfort by covering their ears, trying to turn off the source of the sound or leaving the noisy environment.

CHUCK E. CHEESE AND A BENEFICIAL PARTNERSHIP TO HELP KIDS

The Chuck E. Cheese partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) means that Sensory Sensitive Sundays happen nationwide.

Maybe all kid-friendly restaurants will take up the mantle, just as Chuck E. Cheese has done. Naturally, the iconic chain makes sense as a hub for CARD; I can't think of another chain where the possibility of sensory overload exists as much as this one.

And, as we know, Chuck E. Cheese is a huge kid magnet. It's awesome that parents have this option on these special days.

Sensory Sensitive Sunday happens from 9 Am until 11 AM--two hours prior to the normal opening time.

[SOURCE: WPSD-Paducah]