NPR

NFL Season Kicks Off With Refuges For Fans With Sensory Needs To Take A Timeout

The Philadelphia Eagles, the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings have all opened rooms in their stadiums for fans, including those with autism, who need a break from sensory overload.
Sheletta and Shawn Brundidge, alongside their four children, were the first fans to use the sensory room at the Minnesota Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium. Opened during the August pre-season, the space comes with trained therapists and provides fans, including those with autism, a break from the excitement of the game.

The roar of the crowd, the boom of the sound system, the flash of fireworks — all part of the thrill for many fans who flock to NFL games, but for others, including those on the autism spectrum with sensory issues, the experience can be too much.

Now a growing number of teams are including "sensory inclusive spaces" within their arenas to accommodate them.

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