Finding Sensory-friendly Fun and Building Community

It was Labor Day weekend last year, and my husband was enjoying some well-deserved time with friends. At the time, we were a family of four, so the two boys (each rocking an autism diagnosis) and I set forth to choose our own adventure. Since it was a holiday weekend, our regular spot was closed. We decided to grab some friends and head over to We Rock The Spectrum in Carmel. 

When I say we were greeted with open arms, I’m not exaggerating. This place is truly where inclusion and community meet. Not only did my autistic kiddos feel at home, but also, my adult autistic friend felt valued, respected and included, too. It’s often hard to nail down how to provide this intangible experience, but the staff at We Rock had it goin’ on. 

Finding Inclusion 

Families of neurodivergence often feel alienated, alone or like they can’t attend certain venues or events because they’re too crowded, the lights are too bright or flashy, the music is too loud — or for a multitude of other reasons, it’s just not a fit. 

Sensory-friendly accommodations are becoming more common. Some venues now offer headphones for purchase or loan, but these attempts alone can sometimes feel like an afterthought rather than a true effort to be inclusive. 

But you know what? Safe, inclusive spaces do exist. And it’s about more than just a fun play place for the kids. It’s about connection for families. Don’t get me wrong: It’s amazing when our kiddos find others to bounce beside on the trampoline, parallel play next to, and vocal stim with until the cows come home. But what’s even more powerful is the mama we trade numbers with to text at 3 a.m. after a challenging day, or the new specialist we recommend to someone who just gets it. That’s real connection, too. 

What Makes a Place Truly Inclusive
Inclusion isn’t just a sensory bin in the corner or a calm room off to the side — it’s a mindset. It’s staff who meet kids where they are without judgment. It’s a space that flexes with a family’s needs, not one that expects everyone to conform. It’s dimmed lights, no-pressure play, and people who understand that stimming, scripting or sitting out for a while are all valid ways to be. Every child is different, which means the more options we have, the more kids (and their grownups) feel like they belong. Let’s keep building an inclusive community — not just for our kids, but for ourselves, too.