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Category: Sensory Friendly

police officer demonstrating Project Lifesaver to a child

2026 Autism Safety Expo

Some of the best ideas become traditions because a community embraces them. That’s exactly what happened with the Autism Safety Expo.

When Autism Connection of PA hosted our inaugural Expo last year, we hoped it would bring together families, autistic people, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to share resources and strengthen autism safety. The response was overwhelming. New partnerships were formed, families discovered services they didn’t know existed, and countless meaningful conversations reminded us how much we can accomplish when we come together.

Because of that incredible success, we’re excited to announce that the Autism Safety Expo is now an annual event.

Autism Connection of PA Safety Expo logo

Please join us on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Monroeville Fire Company #4, 4370 Northern Pike, for a full day of education, practical resources, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to connect with organizations dedicated to supporting autistic people of all ages and their families.

At Autism Connection of PA, we believe safety is about more than emergency preparedness. It’s about creating communities where autistic people are understood, supported, and included. Whether you’re a family member, self-advocate, first responder, educator, healthcare professional, or community partner, you’ll find valuable information, new connections, and practical tools that can make a difference.

We invite you to save the date, share the event with others, and watch for more details in the coming weeks. We look forward to welcoming you this October as we continue building safer, more informed, and more inclusive communities across Pennsylvania, together.

Email help@autismofpa.org with questions.

Email development@autismofpa.org for sponsor and vendor information.

The 2026 Autism Safety Expo is free to attend, and no registration is required.

Autistic teenagers painting

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

two autistic teenagers dancing

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 Connection logo

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!

Halloween is for everyone

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 logo

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. 

Concerns about safety include wandering, self-harm, medication management, interactions with first responders

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.

Kiesha Lalama sitting on a chair with elbows resting on her knees

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.

Artfully Uplifting ad flyer

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