The Portland Sea Dogs in partnership with Embracing the World of Autism will host Autism Awareness Day at Hadlock Field on Saturday, April 11th when the Sea Dogs take on the Reading Fightin Phils at 1:00 PM.
The event will be held with the support of University of New England Occupational Therapy graduate students. The UNE students will create and facilitate activities for children and families in a special “Sensory Room” that will allow children with autism to self-regulate using movement, calming sensory input and fidget items. This allows children to fully participate in the Sea Dogs game.
In addition to the “Sensory Room,” the students will also make sensory kits that include tactile items, chewy food, and fidget items to help people with autism self-modulate their nervous system during the game.
Donald Frost, 13, a child with Asperger’s syndrome, will be singing the National Anthem prior to the start of the game. Representatives will also throw out the ceremonial first-pitch and serve as a junior public address announcer.
The goal of the event is to raise autism awareness and to help people with autism perform the occupations of everyday life.
Discounted tickets are available for autistic children and their families. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seadogs.com using the special offer code “Autism”. For more information Lindsey Oliver at (207) 874-9300.
Fans attending the April 11th game are asked to wear the color orange to show support for Autism Acceptance.
This article originally appeared on the official website of the Portland Sea Dogs. Click here to view the original story.