Sensory rooms at sports venues offer escape for children with autism

Three sports venues in Phoenix are now home to sensory rooms designed to provide children with developmental disabilities a peaceful space to escape the noise. Children and their families can also access Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapists, games, snacks, headphones and more.

Gabriela Salcido, founder and CEO of Roman Empire Agency, which set up the rooms, joined “Horizonte” to discuss the features of the sensory rooms and how they help soothe children who are experiencing sensory overload.

Historically Hispanic and Latinx children were diagnosed with autism at lower rates than non-hispanic white children, but new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that gap is now starting to close.

Roman Empire Agency set up these rooms at Chase Field, Mountain America Stadium and State Farm Stadium to give families of all ethnicities a safe and comfortable space to enjoy a big-game experience.

According to Salcido, after the families use these rooms, they can take a fidget toy back with them to their seats to help re-center anyone who may be experiencing sensory overload.

“One out of three children are being diagnosed with autism, and these rooms are a great way for them to enjoy the game,” Salcido said.

These rooms are the only stadium sensory rooms in the country with ABA therapists on site. According to Salcido, therapists are so crucial because they “sometimes have techniques that parents can bring back to the seat, not only the fidget toy but also the techniques.”

If you are interested in using one of the sensory rooms, you do not need a reservation. Stadium goers can enter as a walk in. Families are limited to 15 minutes, but if the families need more time they are able to accommodate them.