Family Autism Night

Thursday, July 29th | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Today at Pretend City, we will be hosting a special event for children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. This is a fun opportunity for families and children to play and interact in an autism-friendly environment. Pretend City wants to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support. Plus, enjoy a special visit from the Orange County Fire Authority to help us learn how to play safe this summer!

Specifically, for: Families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities. Pretend City will be closed to the public. 

This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to have some fun in an autism-friendly environment along with other families. Many of our community partners, who specialize in supporting children on the autism spectrum, will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support. Watch a video tour of our museum here. 

• Art Studio Sessions: Join us in the Art Studio as we soar through different space-themed art activities. Grasping, painting, molding, and matching are just a few of the developmental features your child will be exploring! 
• Storytime: 6:30 PM: It’s storytime! Gather round in Orange Plaza for an interactive story time with our Fire Fighters as we discover how to play safe this summer.   

Play Partners: Orange County Fire Authority, Kyo Autism Therapies, our experienced stage staff of trained early childhood and child development educators, and grown-ups!

Kyo Autism Therapy: ABA is a highly effective treatment that helps people with autism to develop language and daily living skills. ABA can also be used to decrease challenging behaviors, such as aggression or self-injurious behavior. The goal of ABA is to increase independence and quality of life for the child with autism and their family. At Kyo, ABA therapy is also naturalistic and fun! The Kyo team uses child-centric, play-based activities to help children meet their goals. By incorporating each child’s interests throughout treatment, therapy sessions are both highly effective and engaging. 

Grown-up Tip:  Road trip and vacation season is here! Children on the autism spectrum typically crave structure and predictability. Prepare your child for your summer vacation by sharing books about the places you will be visiting, taking trips to similar areas within your own community, and packing plenty of comforting items.  

RSVP: Register HERE; max: 350 guests 

*Only guests with a reservation and a confirmation number will be admitted. 

Fee: FREE