Things to Do for National Autism Awareness Month

These sensory-friendly events are inclusive and fun for all.

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April is National Autism Awareness Month so it’s time to celebrate children who are neurodiverse. There are many opportunities to have fun with your kids, so plan a day trip for one of these activities.

April 1

Bubbles 4 Autism Farm Celebration
Reed’s Farm, Egg Harbor Twp.
Tour the farm, visit the animal sanctuary and blow bubbles during this autism awareness acceptance day. The organic farm market will be open as well.

Sensory Celebration
Van Vleck Gardens, Montclair
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, this event lets you to explore the gardens using your senses as your guide. Activity stations throughout the gardens are self-paced and optional, and focus on using your senses to discover nature through art, movement, literature and exploration walks. You will also meet some friendly animals.

The Sky Above
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages and abilities are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

April 2

Autism Awareness Family Fun/Resource Day
Mulberry Commons, Newark
Celebrate incredible families, children and community while highlighting as much awareness as you can to autism.

Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt
Bierman Autism Centers, Eatontown
Go on an egg hunt, snap a selfie with the Easter Bunny, use stickers and paint at the craft station.

Jenkinson’s Egg Hunt
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Pt. Pleasant
The Easter Bunny has come to the Jersey Shore! Kids up to age 10 will look for eggs, starting at different locations. There will be a special needs egg hunt at the Adventure Lookout Ropes Course, which has no age limit.

April 5

Sensory Day
iPlay America, Freehold
The center will have lower volume music and arcade games, special lighting and designated quiet rooms so that everyone can enjoy the indoor boardwalk-style games and amusements.

April 8

Freestyle for Autism
Headliner, Neptune
This night of charity for Autism New Jersey will include the music of Michael January, Alex of Latin Nation, Jase David, Krysthal, Serene, Solo Ramos, Surge and E’Dee. Hosted by MC Danny.

April 15

Milk & Cookies
State Theatre NJ, New Brunswick
Alex of Alex & The Kaleidoscope leads an interactive show that teaches kids through songs, fun facts and adventures. They will “travel” to interesting places around the world. It is geared toward kids ages 3-9, and includes a cookie and a carton of milk for every child after the show. The 12 pm show is a sensory-friendly performance.

April 16

F.I.S.H. Night
Adventure Aquarium, Camden
The aquarium will lower the music, brighten the lights and reduce the crowds. This special night is also the final day of the aquarium’s Super-Sized Sand Sculptures festival.

April 22

Breakfast With a Cop
Everson’s Karate Institute, Robbinsville
Robbinsville Twp. police officers will promote autism awareness during this informal meet-and-greet. You can learn about and register for the Rville S.A.F.E. Program.

April 25

“Love and Communication”
Princeton Garden Theater, Princeton
Princeton father and filmmaker James Christy Jr. has made a movie about what it’s really like to raise a child with autism, and today will be the New Jersey premiere. The film follows the journey of parents desperate to find the right treatment for their son, only to find their efforts putting their marriage at risk.

April 26

Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
Zoom Presentation
Dr. Barry Prizant will share his thoughts and research on the many misconceptions about autism and the experience of autistic people. Based on his best-selling book, “Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism,” this Zoom presentation will dive into the myths surrounding behaviors observed in autism, the inaccurate perception of autism as a tragedy and the belief that autism is only experienced by the individual with the ASD diagnosis – offering a paradigm-shifting perspective.

April 30

Chuck E. Cheese
Multiple Locations
On the first Sunday of every month, the play place opens two hours early just for kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. They’ll get to enjoy all the usual fun, but with reduced lights and noise under the eye of trained and caring staff. There will be a bonus day on April 30 in recognition of World Autism Month. Plus, during April, a portion of proceeds from cotton candy sales up to $50,000 will go to Autism Speaks.

May 3

Early Detection and Early Intervention in Children
Woodbridge Main Library, Woodbridge
Dr. Chaudhary and the Jiguar app team will share important information on developmental delays such as learning disabilities, autism and many more concerns that are rising in the community. Jiguar helps caregivers with early detection of any developmental, behavioral, mental, cognitive or nutritional concerns in children.

May 6

The Sky Above
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, Branchburg
This sensory-friendly astronomy and music show is specially designed for families with children on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. The program is presented on a kindergarten level, but all ages and abilities are welcome. Enjoy music, laser lights, stories and information about the planets, Moon, and constellations. During the show, the doors remain open so children may leave and return if they choose. Lights are kept dim (instead of dark) and music is at a consistent level.

More Sensory-Friendly Activities

Park Attractions. Six Flags Great Adventure is a Certified Autism Center (CAC) which means its staff members are highly trained in helping those with special needs, offers sensory guides for guests and provides necessary accommodations. Sesame Place in PA is designated as well.

Screen Time. Going to the movies can be stressful for viewers with sensory difficulties. These screenings have dim lights on as opposed to darkness, lower sound and the freedom to get up and move around or leave the theater. AMC, in partnership with the Autism Society, screens sensory-friendly films on the second and fourth Saturday (family flicks) and Wednesday evenings (mature) of every month. Check locations by you before purchasing.

Get Artsy in the Big Apple. Although this isn’t until September, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC puts on the Big Umbrella Festival, an international celebration for kids on the autism spectrum. This is the first fest of its kind, as its completely dedicated to arts programs for special needs kiddos on the spectrum. The three-day, campus-wide festival features performances, installations, workshops and online content designed with and for neurodiverse audiences.

Read More:
Study Shows Significant Increase in Autism in NY and NJ
Is Your Kid with Different Abilities Ready for Sleepaway Camp?

Tips For Your Best Day Out With Your Kid With Special Needs
10 Things I Know To Be True About Raising a Child With Autism
10 Things To Do When Inviting an Autism Family to Your House

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