Autism Friendly Hours Coming To NJ Chuck E Cheese's

Chuck E. Cheese's can be a lot of fun for kids: pizza, arcade games, fun music and costumed characters. But for children with autism and sensory processing disorders, all of that can make it too overwhelming to enjoy. To address that, Chuck E. Cheese's has expanded their "Sensory Sensitive Sunday" program nationwide, including to 12 locations in New Jersey.

The restaurants will open two hours early on the first Sunday of every month, with small tweaks to make them more enjoyable for children with autism or sensory processing disorders. Lights will be dimmed, music and shows will be turned down or off, and appearances by costumed characters will be limited. Chuck E. Cheese's also anticipates smaller crowds during the extra hours.

They also promise "trained and caring staff" during the events.

Chuck E. Cheese's paired with Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) to launch the program in select locations last year. The company said "overwhelming interest" at the 54 test locations led to the nationwide roll-out.

"Our tagline is where a kid can be a kid, and we want to ensure we extend this ideal to kids who otherwise may not be able to enjoy Chuck E. Cheese's due to the sensory overload," said Ami Anderson, senior director of advertising and media at CEC Entertainment.

"Chuck E. Cheese's has been a great partner in CARD's effort to expand opportunities for children with special needs and their families to have fun in a supportive, safe environment," said Doreen Granpeesheh, CARD founder and CEO.

Sensory Sensitive Sundays are offered at the following Chuck E Cheese's locations in New Jersey:

• Bricktown - 28 Brick Plaza*
• Bridgewater - 600 Promenade Blvd*
• Cherry Hill: 2100 Route 38 Suite #4*
• Deptford - 301 N Almonesson Rd^
• East Hanover - 145 Route 10*
• Edison - 1120 Route 1 North^
• Jersey City - 701 Route 440 #383*
• Mays Landing - 4215 Black Horse Pike*
• Paramus - 275 E. Route 4 Suite 1^
• Union - 1660 Route 22 East^
• Wayne - 1639 Rt 23 South^
• West Windsor - 520 Nassau Park Blvd*

Because of the Easter holiday, the April date has been pushed back. Locations marked with an asterisk (*) will have sensory-friendly hours on April 8, which those marked with a caret (^) are offering an additional day on May 6.

Image via Shutterstock