Autism Acceptance Month, observed every April is a time dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance and support for individuals with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and experience the world. The month encourages the community to move beyond awareness and toward acceptance – celebrating neurodiversity and recognizing the strengths and unique perspectives of autistic individuals.

Across Bucks County and the surrounding areas, there are meaningful events, sensory-friendly experiences and family resources that make it easy to get involved and show support.

Events & Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Sesame Place

100 Sesame Rd, Langhorne, PA
https://sesameplace.com/

Sesame Place has partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), a global leader in online training and certification programs, to become the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center (CAC). They offer low sensory rooms for guests who need quiet time, noise-cancelling headphones for guests with hearing sensitivities, low sensory areas and parade viewing, quieter dining environments and more.

The Friendship Circle Clubhouse

100 N. State Street, Newtown, PA
https://fcpa.info/clubhouse/

The FC Clubhouse ensures everyone feels included and most importantly, happy. The Clubhouse provides a comfortable and engaging environment, thoughtfully designed for individuals of all abilities. They have two sensory rooms – the Zen Den: a tranquil space with calming lights, soothing sounds and various textures designed for relaxation and pace and the Zensory Zone: an interactive area that stimulates creativity and exploration through engaging sensory activities.

Helping Friendly Farm Sensory Barn

3240 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA
https://helpingfriendlyfarm.org/sensorybarn

The barn's sensory rooms are designed to allow individuals to explore on their own terms, without overwhelming external stimuli. Specialized scheduling ensures that all visitors are able to access the environment in a way that suits their particular exceptional needs. They have an open play sensory gym, a yoga/meditation room and a light and sound therapy room.

Playpad Bucks Sensory Room

860 Town Center Drive, Langhorne, PA
https://www.playpadbucks.com/play

Playpad Bucks has a sensory room designed for a calming yet stimulating atmosphere. Featuring a sensory swing, crash pad, bubble tube, projections and more. The room can be rented out for private therapy.

Action Karate Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

Various locations
https://actionkarate.net/programs/special-needs-martial-arts-classes/

The Action Karate program offers activities for special needs adults in Pennsylvania. The karate classes are carefully and specially designed and have provided a productive outlet for adults with various special needs for their mental or physical health. Martial arts students – and black belts – include people who are in wheelchairs, using canes, non-verbal, have cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, anxiety disorders, asthma, autism, attention-related issues, Parkinson’s, Alzheimers, memory-related issues and more.

Local Autism Resources

CHOP Soar Autism Center

60 Blacksmith Road, Newtown, PA
https://soarautismcenter.com/chop-soar/

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Soar Autism Center have come together to bring best-in-class autism care to families in the Philadelphia region. The collaboration – called CHOP-Soar Autism Center – joins teams of outpatient autism therapists with the expertise of a top-ranked pediatric hospital to fully support families following diagnosis through therapy.

ABA Centers of Pennsylvania

900 Town Center Dr Suite 100 Langhorne, PA
https://www.abacenterspa.com/autism-services

ABA Centers of Pennsylvania is dedicated to providing clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) individualized ABA therapy that can have a profound impact on their lives and the lives of their families.

Each location offers speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy services for children through age 6 under one roof, providing integrated, in-center care during children’s most critical years of development.

Everyday Ways to Participate

  • Wear blue on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) to show your support
  • Support local organizations
  • Talk to your children about inclusion and kindness in everyday settings
  • Choose inclusive playgrounds and community spaces

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