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2017 Fall Events That Are Autism-Friendly


Community integration experiences are vital for the growth and development of children and youth with autism. Experiences shared with family members and care givers build bonds, trust, mutual interests, and are fun. Sarah Dooley Center for Autism highlights these upcoming community integration opportunities:

Sensory-Friendly Movie Matinee

On August 19th, join friends and family for an inclusive, engaging matinee. It starts at 2 p.m. and is taking place at the Byrd Theater on West Cary Street. More information will be available soon, and once it’s updated, you’ll be able to find it right here.

Social Club for Teens with Asperger’s or HFA

Eventbrite is offering a fun social club experience beginning on September 8th at 7 p.m. for those in grades six through ten. More information will be available soon, and you can sign up through Eventbrite mail or look for further updates here.

Let’s Go Bowling


September 17th is the planned date for a fun bowling outing for elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Adults on the spectrum are also encouraged to attend. More information will be available soon. Keep up to date by checking here. The event is free to members of the Autism Society of Central Virginia.

Minds of All Kinds

Taking place at the Science Museum of Virginia on September 21st, the Minds of All Kinds event is an evening of sensory-friendly fun. The event is free and begins at 5:30 p.m., promising to be less crowded and more hands-on than visits to the museum during regular hours.

The exhibits are intended to capture the minds and hearts of the young, as well as those who are young at heart. The museum is requesting that you pre-register for the event and be willing to offer feedback to help them improve future sensory-friendly events.

5th Annual Autism Poker Run

There’s nothing better than getting to ride your motorcycle on a beautiful fall day, unless you’re helping raise money for autism awareness in the central Virginia area. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on September 30th, followed by a ride, raffles, food, live music, and more. Everything you need to know can be found right here.

The ride starts and ends at Colonial Harley Davidson in Prince George, Virginia. The cost is $20 per rider and $5 per passenger. You don’t need to ride to attend. The Sons of Dominion Motorcycle Club is proud to host the event and is offering prizes for the best and worst poker hands.

Autism Speaks Walk


Take a stroll and raise money for autism awareness on September 23rd. Starting at 8:30 in the morning, the Walk has a fundraising goal of $115,000. Get together to form a team, join a team that’s already set up, or walk on your own.

It’s happening at the Capital One West Creek Campus and everyone is welcome at this all ages, all abilities event. Special Quiet Zones are available as a safe space for any event attendee who becomes overwhelmed or is just in need of a few moments’ respite from the noise and crowd.

Teams who raise over $2,000 before the day of the walk will get to enjoy a special place in the Walk Village, too, so get started fundraising now!

Sensory-Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese

Recently, Chuck E. Cheese rolled out a national initiative to be more inclusive and offer a safe, fun place for kids and adults who are living with the challenges of autism. The first Sunday of every month offers a special block of time from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.; the lights are lowered, the animatronic show is on break and Chuck E. himself only makes limited appearances.

Paired with smaller crowds, this gives Chuck E. Cheese’s a great atmosphere for a little fun and frivolity, without the accompanying overstimulation. This fall, you can attend on August 6th, September 3rd, October 1st, and November 11th. Find great deals and more information here.

13th Annual Walk for Autism – Virginia

Offering more than just a leisurely stroll, the Walk for Autism is a fun-filled event that offers a sensory-friendly carnival, silent auction, resource fair, moon bounce, and more.

Since its inception, the Walk for Autism – Virginia has raised more than $500,000 that has benefitted the local community through education programs, local advocacy, and support for local families who are affected by autism. The event takes place on Saturday, October 21st, in Manassas, Virginia. The event will be held at the Prince William County Fairgrounds.

Learn About More Autism-Friendly Events In Richmond

Not sure these events are the right fit for your friends or family? Maybe you found the perfect event but aren’t available on the date. Feel free to reach out to us at Sarah Dooley Center For Autism to learn about all the events going on. You can reach us online here or by phone at 804-521-5571.

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