If you have a child with autism or other special needs, you know how difficult it can be to find places for them to go to experience what regular kids experience. Why? Many kids on the autism spectrum have sensory sensitivities, meaning they can be overly sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, smells, and their senses of taste and touch can be heightened, too. My son was 2 years old when we had to stop going to certain places with him. He began to experience sensory overload, so outings to the grocery store, Walmart, the mall, restaurants, pretty much anywhere with fluorescent lighting and large groups of people, were extremely painful and terrifying for him. Shopping trips could lead to meltdowns, and my son would often take off running for the door. Staff and customers didn’t always understand, which made the experience even more difficult. We had to stop going places as a family, which was not good for my son, his typical siblings, or his parents. We began to isolate ourselves from the world at a time when we needed acceptance and support.
My son experienced regressive autism, meaning he was born normal, hit all his milestones according to schedule, but then experienced a regression. The CDC recently increased the estimate of autism prevalence to 1 in 59 children, although some experts believe the number of individuals on the spectrum is actually higher. More and more children are being diagnosed and in turn more businesses are striving to accommodate our special families.
I’ve compiled a list of places in the Coachella Valley that have been autism-friendly for my family. This is by no means a complete list. These are some of my son’s favorite places to go, and also recommended by close friends with kids on the autism spectrum. Some of these businesses understand sensory sensitivity and will turn lights down and decrease volume on occasion. Some don’t make special accommodations, but have proven to be autism-friendly over the years. Please contact these businesses for more information, and go have some fun.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese
First Sunday of every month from 9 am – 11 am. Lights are dimmed and volume is lowered for visual and auditory sensitive kids. For more info, 760-341-3964, Located at 72-513 California 111, Palm Desert 92260
My Way Matinee at Regal Cinemas
Once a month at 10:30 am, tickets are $6.50. House lights are left dimmed. Movie volume is lowered. For more info, 844-462-7342, ext. 693, Located at 72-777 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage 92270
Get Air Sensory Saturdays
Every Saturday from 8 -10 am, $10 ticket includes one special jumper and their parent or guardian. Music is turned down and the atmosphere is calmer. Bring socks or purchase there. For more info, 760-206-7211 or go to their website: www.getairpalmdesert.com
Located at 34-450 Gateway Dr., Palm Desert 92211
My Gym Palm Desert
Free trial class for every local child 8 years and under. Parents must attend and be able to shadow their child, if necessary. Please make staff aware in advance if your child has special needs so they can best accommodate. Average class cost is $76 a month. My Gym Palm Desert is available for private parties. They even have a mobile program so they can bring a bit of the gym to your school, church, or event. Owner Nancy Kahn Scott is a friend to the autism community and provides a safe and fun place for youngsters on the spectrum or not. For more info, 760-346-6307 or email palmdesert@mygym.com. Located at 73-760 Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert 92211
Fantasy Lanes at Fantasy Springs Casino
Fantasy Lanes is regularly visited by special families and by schools with special needs programs. While they do not have sensory events, many of us have found that our kids love it there and we bring headphones if the sound is a little too loud. You can call and ask for days and times when it is less crowded. For more info, 760-342-5000 or go to their website: www.fantasyspringsresort.com, Located at 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio 92203
La Casita Mexican Restaurant in La Quinta
The folks here get it. They are accommodating and friendly to our kids on the spectrum. It’s a great place to take the whole family out for dinner. Local autism moms and dads give this restaurant a big thumbs up. Open Monday – Sunday 11am – 9pm; 760-777-0203. Located at 78-790 CA-111, La Quinta 92253
Target Stores
Target stores nationwide now have Caroline Carts. These shopping carts have a larger seat to accommodate older children with special needs.
Coachella Valley Autism Society of America
CVASA offers a lot of fun activities and groups: group music therapy, Lego Club, Kids Fit Club, Hands on Art Program, Teen Group, Young Adult Group, Parents Support Group, and more. Their annual Christmas Party is a lot of fun, as well as their Halloween event and yearly Autism Walk. Contact them for support and helpful information. For more info, 760-772-1000 or www.cvasa.org, Located at 41550 Eclectic St., Palm Desert 92260
