Sensory Friendly – Autism Connection of Pennsylvania

Indoor Activities for Complex Needs

At Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, we believe meaningful activities don’t have to be loud, busy, or demanding. For many autistic people, especially those with higher support needs, the most powerful experiences are the ones that support regulation, safety, and choice.

Whether activities happen in a community space, at home, or online, what matters most is that people are free to engage in ways that feel right to them. Here are some activity ideas and guiding principles that help make that possible.

Sensory Activities: Supporting Calm and Regulation

Sensory activities can help the nervous system settle. These spaces and tools are designed to be soothing, predictable, and flexible.

Think:

Quiet sensory rooms with soft or dim lighting
Bubble tubes, fiber optic lights, or projected visuals
Weighted blankets or lap pads for grounding
Soft textures to explore, like fabric, gel pads, or water beads
Preferred music or calming background sounds

There’s no “right” way to use sensory supports. Some people stay for a long time. Others take a quick break and move on, and that’s okay.

Creative Activities: Exploration Over Outcome

Creative activities aren’t about finishing a project or making something “look right.” They’re about exploring materials and enjoying the process.

Options might include:

Painting with hands, sponges, or rollers
Squeezing and shaping clay, dough, or putty
Light tables or glow-based art activities
Music play with drums, shakers, or chimes

Participation can look like watching, touching briefly, or repeating the same motion again and again. All of it counts.

Movement Activities: Helping the Body Feel Safe

Movement can be regulating, especially when it’s gentle and predictable.

Supportive movement activities include:

Slow stretching or simple yoga poses
Rocking chairs or supported indoor swings
Walking paths with clear visual cues
Soft obstacle courses made with mats and pillows

These activities aren’t about exercise or performance; they’re about comfort and body awareness.

Engagement Activities: Supporting Focus and Interest

Some activities help with attention and connection without requiring social interaction.

These might involve:

Sorting or matching favorite items
Cause-and-effect toys or switches
Simple routines done the same way each time
Choice boards using pictures or real objects

Familiarity and repetition can be reassuring, building trust and confidence.

Social Groups: Shared Space, Not Forced Conversation

Social groups don’t need talking to be meaningful. Often, simply being together in the same space is enough.

Small Group Options

Sensory play groups
Music and rhythm groups
Quiet groups built around shared interests
AAC-supported communication groups

Family-Supported Groups

Parent–child sensory groups
Sibling-friendly indoor play times
Caregiver-supported adult groups

These groups work best when expectations are low and support is built in.

What Matters Most

Across all activities and groups, a few principles make the biggest difference:

No pressure to interact
Parallel play is welcome
People can come and go as needed
All forms of communication are respected

Belonging should never be tied to behavior, speech, or participation.

Indoor Events: Predictable and Calm

Indoor events are often more accessible when they follow a clear routine and keep sensory demands low.

Ongoing Events

Sensory-friendly movie days
Open sensory gym or playroom hours
Quiet craft or activity times
Weekly clubs with the same schedule each time

Special Events

Sensory-friendly holiday gatherings
Autism-friendly expos with quiet spaces
Story times using objects, visuals, or AAC
Music or performance events designed for people with profound autism

In-Home and Virtual Options: Flexibility Matters

Not everyone can attend in person—and they shouldn’t have to miss out.

Accessible alternatives include:

Virtual sensory activities
Recorded calming routines
Online groups that use visuals or AAC
Flexible options families can use at home

Choice and access should extend beyond physical spaces.

What Makes Activities Truly Accessible

Accessibility isn’t about one feature. It’s about the whole experience. The most supportive activities include:

Visual schedules shared ahead of time
Clear beginnings and endings
Real choice, without pressure
Trained, understanding staff
Respect for non-speaking communication
No requirement to “participate” in order to belong

When we design activities this way, we create spaces where autistic people can feel safe, regulated, and genuinely included, exactly as they are.

At Autism Connection of PA, that’s the kind of connection we’re working toward every day.

Call to Action for Providers

Are you offering autism-friendly activities or support for autistic people with complex needs?
Make sure families can find you by listing your program at autismofpa.org.

Families are actively searching for safe, accessible indoor activities for people with profound autism. Providers can help by ensuring their programs are listed in Pennsylvania’s statewide autism resource directory.

Email tammi@autismofpa.org to share your services and reach families who need them.

By listing your autism-friendly activities, social groups, or events, you help families find options that respect sensory needs, communication differences, and safety without forcing participation.

Join us in expanding access across Pennsylvania.

Autism-Friendly Halloween

Tricks for Autism-Friendly Halloween Treats

“My son is 3 years old and has autism,” Omairis Taylor wrote on a Facebook post that went viral, adding, “Please allow him (or anyone with a BLUE BUCKET) to enjoy this day.” In the post, Taylor explained that adults handing out candy the previous year would wait for her son to say “trick or treat” before giving him candy, requiring her to explain to each of them that he is non-speaking. Rather than deal with the added stress of having to explain her son’s disorder multiple times this year, Taylor came up with the creative solution of using a blue bucket to represent it, thus encouraging greater awareness and acceptance of autism for the upcoming holiday.

Although many people have embraced this strategy, others express concern about exacerbating the stigma that comes with autism, while also putting the burden of compassion and understanding on autistic children and their parents. Should they be required to explain their diagnosis or carrying an identifier for a treat? Whether you’re a fan of the blue bucket or not, the following four tricks can be helpful additions or alternatives to make this Halloween more inclusive and, more importantly, more fun!

No explanation necessary.

1. Prevent sensory overload with sensory toys, headphones, and/or ear plugs. Make sure to prepare your child for the potentially unsettling sounds and decorations they might see by first explaining that they are just pretend and perhaps showing him or her how they work before you go trick or treating. However, you can keep sensory overload to a minimum by bringing along a sensory toy, headphones, and/or ear plugs when loud noises are present.

2. Plan a costume dress rehearsal. Have your child try on his or her costume a few times before Halloween so they can get used to how it feels and determine if the material is comfortable enough to wear for a couple of hours. Consider opting for a larger size so your child can wear their own clothes underneath.

3. Bring some buddies. Non-autistic friends and siblings are great allies to have while trick-or-treating. They can remind your child of the rules of trick-or-treating and help guide them through the process, even doing some of the talking for them. Buddies can also help keep an extra eye on children who have a tendency to wander, while still making them feel included in their peer group.

4. Gamify the experience. Some children with autism prefer more structure around their activities, so it might be helpful to turn the experience into a game of some sort. For example, you might want to create a map of every house you will go to and cross them off after each visit. You can also encourage your child to count how many chocolate candies vs fruity candies he or she gets to create a kind of scientific experiment about which type of candy is more common. No matter what you choose to do for the holiday, make sure you’re focused first on just enjoying the time with family and friends. Remember that Halloween is about creative expression, so celebrate what makes your child unique!

Autism Safety Expo 2025

PRESS RELEASE: THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania Presents Inaugural Safety Expo in Concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Monroeville, PA: Autism Connection of Pennsylvania, in concert with the Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity in Philadelphia, is proud to announce its first-ever Autism Safety Expo; a comprehensive two-day event devoted to promoting safety in the home and the community for people of all ages and stages on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania’s Safety Expo is important because it brings together critical resources that help ensure the well-being of autistic people in nearly every aspect of life, from their homes to schools to public spaces. Many families and self-advocates struggle to navigate complex systems when it comes to legal rights, medical needs, emergency preparedness, and physical and social safety. This Expo offers a rare opportunity to access all of that information in one place, with trusted experts who understand the unique challenges faced by the autism community. By creating a safe, inclusive space for learning and connection, the event empowers individuals and families to proactively build safer, more supportive environments.

Dates & Location

Friday, October 17, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4
- 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville, PA 15146

Expo Highlights and Resources

This “one-stop-shop” experience invites families, caregivers, autistic people, professionals, and community members to access vital safety solutions covering:

Legal Safety: Guardianship, special education law, rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and access to legal aid organizations.
Medical Safety: Including sensory-friendly best practices, medical ID tools, emergency-preparedness plans, and how to navigate healthcare settings comfortably
Community and Social Safety: Safe travel, public‐space accessibility, social-skills training, and resources on self-advocacy and community inclusion.
Technology and Adaptive Tools: Exhibitors showcasing assistive tech, safety-alert devices, home-monitoring systems, and calming sensory aids.
First Responders Engagement: In person discussions with fire, police, and EMS personnel to build understanding of autism-friendly response protocols.
Caregiving & Family Support: Peer support groups, respite resources, and guidance from social-service agencies.

Why Safety Matters

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania surveyed autistic people, families, and caregivers about their greatest concerns. Safety is the utmost priority for people of all ages living in both rural and urban areas, and with different levels of need. In response, the Autism Connection is organizing this event to connect people with critical resources.

Safety is multidimensional: legal, medical, social, and environmental. By bringing together experts from each domain, the Autism Safety Expo offers resources to autistic people and families to proactively build environments, knowledge, and community systems that support neurodiverse safety.

About Autism Connection of PA
Since 1996, Autism Connection of PA has served as a trusted resource for families and professionals across the state, offering support groups, educational workshops and webinars, advocacy, and information on art, justice, school, and lifelong planning.

About Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
A division of Jefferson Health, the Center champions neurodiverse-aware design and clinical practices, highlighted by its sensory-inclusive Honickman Center in Philadelphia’s city center.

The official registration and financial information of Autism Connection of PA may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Gia sitting on a chair instructing a class

IGIA Movement for Health Visits Autism Connection of PA

IGIA Movement for Health is well known in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for its innovative approach that incorporates various somatic practices like yoga, meditation, Hanna Somatics®, and dance to tap into the power of internal movement, stimulate new neural pathways, and improve the mind’s regulation of posture and emotions.

For the autism community, sensory overload and difficulty with interoception can interfere with the ability to recognize and manage emotions, so Autism Connection of PA was ecstatic to be invited to host IGIA Movement for Health for three pilot movement workshops. Three Rivers Community Care is also hosting a class on August 12th.

Care practitioner and IGIA Co-founder, Gia Cacalano, leads the Master Classes, taking cues from attendees to form her approach. IGIA movement practices can be done both seated and standing, they’re accessible, and no two classes are exactly alike. Co-founder and CEO, Harris Farris quietly participated in the first pilot class along with a small group. One autistic participant shares her experience with the class, and encourages others to attend.

Experiencing IGIA for Movement Master Class

I honestly didn’t know exactly what to expect, which can be a great source of anxiety. It was hot outside, and even though it was only 10:15 in the morning, I was already feeling overwhelmed with sensory overload. At least I think that’s what it was. Sometimes it can be difficult to identify what is going on with me, both physically and emotionally. I also realized that I had lost track of time and was running late.

The room was open and large with soft lighting. The instructor, Gia, was welcoming, the number of people in the class was small, and I had a great sense that I could just be myself. Gia explained that there is no wrong way to do the movements, and described how each movement affects the body.

Relaxes the nervous system
Spatial awareness in the environment
Internal spatial awareness – how I moved and how those movements related to how I was feeling
Observational rather than judgmental – no worries about being right or wrong, just noticing
Feeling less self-conscious – less resistance to trying something new
Sense of calm

Video: Harris Ferris demonstrates some simple movements

I recognized some of the movements and I thought, “Hey! These stem from stims!” Self stimulatory behaviors (or self-regulating behaviors) often serve a purpose, and I was perfectly happy to do some hand flapping that transformed into more delicate movements. It turns out that flapping and jumping ignites the lymphatic system, and can improve the immune system.

Visual stims were also weaved into the movements. We worked on eye tracking along with slow, intentional head movements that seemed to broaden my peripheral sight. I was able to take in the entire room visually rather than focusing on specific elements.

“Rocking is a controlled fall,” the instructor said. This statement stuck with me because I usually fight the urge to rock back and forth to calm myself. The slow, intentional rocking movements were among my favorites, and it was especially helpful to know that we were working on balance along with body awareness.

Time passed quickly in the movement class, and even though there was no rigid structure, the instructor came full circle and this helped me recognize that the session was coming to a close soon. We began and ended with foot movements, gradually rocking to a standing position.

I felt grounded and calm after the session, and I continued to notice when my muscles (especially in the shoulders) were getting tight throughout the rest of the day. I can see how practices from the movement class could help me regulate emotions after sensory overload, or when I struggle with interoception (during times when I feel disconnected from what I’m feeling, whether an emotion or hunger, fatigue or thirst).

This was the first of three sessions, and they are off to a great start.

Gia notes that “even simply being present in the room–just observing and breathing–changes the dynamic. Even if someone showed up and just focused on breathing, that would be a complete session.”

If you want to learn more about IGIA for Movement Master Class, please visit IGIA Movement for Health.

To participate in upcoming classes August 10th and 12th register here.

Pittsburgh Playhouse’s ARTfully UPlifting Takes Sensory Friendly Performances in a New Direction

Hope. Acceptance. Inclusion.

Each word beautiful, and each word a fundamental building block in the innovative production, ARTfully UPlifting at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University. The producer, Kiesha Lalama, offers years of experience, as she worked to implement the first sensory friendly performance of A Musical Christmas Carol.

ARTfully UPlifting

ARTfully UPlifting is unique because it brings together a variety of art forms into one production, and each act is relatively short, ranging from 90 seconds to 2 minutes in length. All in all, the show will feature “something for everyone, and most importantly, anyone.” This production is the first of its kind, and there’s something appealing about attending a show that gives us all a little space to experiment, explore, and practice.

Families and friends are welcome and encouraged to bring snacks, and comfort items (fidgets, weighted blanket, toys, or transitional objects), and there will be a relaxation room next to the lobby if anyone needs to take a break. The atmosphere is relaxed, with come and go seating.

For information about accessibility please visit the Pittsburgh Playhouse Accessibility page.

ARTfully UPlifting will take place Saturday, March 30th at 2:00pm at the PNC Theater. Visit the Pittsburgh Playhouse website for details and ticket information.

Autism Connection of Pennsylvania thanks Kiesha and the Pittsburgh Playhouse for all the work and dedication committed to ARTfully UPlifting built upon hope, acceptance, and inclusion.

Astrid Arroyo smiling with brown eyes and dark hair

Families Share: The Things that Keep Us Home and The Things that Bring Us Out

Sensory-friendly, inclusive events have become increasingly popular, and in an effort to ensure that all – and we mean all – families feel safe and welcome, we reached out to Astrid Arroyo who often attends events with her son to find out what works for her family. We also spoke with people who choose to stay home to find out why.

The Things that Keep Families Home

Families who have children with complex needs often reach out to Autism Connection looking for resources and support. We noticed that many shy away from large scale sensory friendly events, so we started asking why. One parent shared sensory friendly events aren’t for her teenage son. “They may be inclusive once you’re inside, but really, we just can’t do it. Many people don’t understand the risk going into a busy city really is. Safety is a concern we have to take very seriously.”

Other families share similar barriers:

Transportation and parking – high stress levels in getting to venues. Parking alone can be overwhelming
Safety and accessibility – not only do we need to gain access to the venue, we have to make sure there’s a “place” for us. Families that have loved ones who bolt or run quickly have additional concerns.
Perceived judgement on our loved one’s behavior. Hosts need to be crystal clear that vocalization and movement are welcome and not considered disruptive.
Venues are too big – can we find welcoming venues on a smaller, quieter scale?
Inconvenient times – Great. There’s a sensory friendly hour at 9:00am on a Wednesday morning during school and work hours. Thanks.
Cost – many sensory friendly events are not affordable.

We have to ensure that venues are safe, that staff and volunteers are well trained, accepting and prepared, and that all behaviors are truly welcomed. Smaller, shorter activities may be more appropriate for some families, and not everyone is equipped for long outings. Also, hosts may consider that it can take hours for some families to prepare to leave the house, so scheduling an event in the morning simply won’t work them.

Astrid Shares: The Things that Bring Families Out

When you see Astrid Arroyo, you’re likely to see her son, Kai, active, in the community, and included. We asked her what works for her family.

“For me, the accessibility of the venue and parking are always the main concern. This is the reason I tend to attend events that are outdoors, or in a venue that has outdoor space, and their own parking, or close accessible parking spaces.

We make it work because Kai drives us to it. Kai doesn’t like to stay home at all. He likes to be out surrounded by people, specifically people that are not us. So, I look for as many events as I can that I know he will enjoy, and that I am able to leave him with a staff, or his brother. Sometimes we choose an event big enough that we can watch him from afar.”

Astrid on the Importance of Raising Awareness About Sensory Friendly Events

“Events are not fully communicated to all families that can benefit from them. Not everyone is on social media. Not everyone has the time to go through Facebook or Instagram trying to find events, only to find out the time has passed. Families are overwhelmed 24/7 with the caring of their child, family obligations, doctor appointments, schooling, therapies, work etc. So even with families having access to these events, they forget about them quickly. This is the reason I started my Parent Group to repeatedly post social events that Kai likes, but I fear may go away due to low attendance.

But I wish, honestly, that supports coordinators were made aware of social events and that they would help families with planning to attend them. This applies to adults with aging parents who may not have the energy and patience to take their loved ones to these events.

I would like to find some sort of solution for parents to know what is out there, because events are out there. And people who are willing to host events for our loved ones are out there as well. We just need to figure out what is really needed, how can we make things more accessible to all families, and how can we create more events that are all inclusive.”

Autism Connection thanks Astrid for her insight and for her passion in helping people enjoy life to the fullest. In response, we have created a survey to further identify barriers and to determine what we all can do to help. Whether you’re a parent, friend, autistic adult, professional or other caring person, please take a moment to share your ideas by completing our Sensory Friendly Events Survey or email tammi@autismofpa.org.

Empowering Connections: Sophie’s Potluck, A Special Journey

In this uplifting interview with Amy Hart, the driving force behind Sophie’s Potluck, we delve into the story of Sophie, a vibrant 14-year-old on the autism spectrum. Amy shares the inspiration behind starting Sophie’s Potluck and the unique experiences they offer to the community. From the adorable blue peacock logo to the diverse array of activities, this initiative aims to create a supportive and inclusive space for families. Discover how Sophie’s Potluck is fostering connections and providing opportunities for growth.

Tell us a little about Sophie.

My daughter Sophie is 14 years old and an 8th grader in the Pittsburgh Area. Sophie is on the autism spectrum and and can’t always communicate her needs.

Sophie’s signature bow

What drove you to start Sophie’s Potluck?

During the winter, I was looking for new activities that I could do with our friends. We typically paint monthly at Splat: A Make and Take Art Studio in the Pittsburgh Area, Pennsylvania. Everyone really enjoys themselves each time and my friend, John Novogurski, (who created and runs the Sophie’s Potluck webpage) and I thought it would be fun to do something more frequently. So we came up with the idea to run the website so we can notify people of our events, and let people register online.

Getting creative

I am always looking for new opportunities for Sophie to try and then ask friends to join us. Then I started thinking of ways that we could really start to explore some venues that we wouldn’t typically think of going to. With a little brainstorming and lots of support, I began emailing different places all over the city. We hope to grow from here.

Sophie’s Potluck logo designed by April Watt Little and Cheri Foote

Your logo is an adorable blue peacock cuddled next to a cooking pot. What’s the story behind this image?

I always have a bow in Sophie’s hair to keep track of her, and she loves peacocks. It started as a little inside joke, but John came up with the name because when you host a potluck, everyone brings something to eat. So with Sophie’s Potluck, we wanted everyone to bring their best! My friends April Watt Little and Cheri Foote collaboratively took the name and created the logo for us.

What kind of activities do you offer?

We work with all kinds of venues to bring a wide array of experiences to our special needs friends. Our first “official” event was a 45 minute zoo encounter, where the educators there taught us about arctic animals, and brought a few animals (some arctic, some not) out for us to see. It was a wonderful experience for our friends! Our upcoming events include a trip to a farm, we’re building our own terrariums, and creating our own bath bombs! Many other events are in the works.

Sophie’s Potluck Zoo Encounter

Are there opportunities to volunteer?

Yes! With some events, we are limited to the number of people that are able to participate. However, when we have the space, we LOVE to have volunteers come and join us.

Are there opportunities to host events?

Absolutely!! We are open to try anything! You can contact John or me on the Sophie’s Potluck website.

Any ideas or advice for parents and caregivers with autistic loved ones?

I think that we as parents and care givers are a village that need to learn from each other. I have also found that we just need to ask and many people are interested in helping us, as a group, gain new experiences and learn about the world around them.

Sophie’s Potluck not only serves as a platform for unique and enjoyable experiences, it also stands as a testament to the strength of community and collaboration. Amy’s journey is fueled by a desire to explore new possibilities for her daughter and others. As the initiative continues to grow, offering a range of activities and welcoming volunteers and event hosts, it becomes a shining example of the power of collective support. For parents and caregivers on the autism spectrum, Sophie’s Potluck offers not just events but a village of shared experiences, proving that together, we can enrich the lives of our loved ones and learn from one another.