Donor Spotlight >> 

Hilal Family

I have been involved with Pretend City for many years, long before I was a mom, through our corporate donations from Applied Medical. Then, when I adopted my two children we started visiting frequently, usually on the Family Autism Nights as both children have an autism diagnosis, and my son has various developmental delays.

When we attend Family Autism Nights, my son can be himself and we don’t have to worry about people giving him strange looks, wondering what he’s doing, or why he’s behaving the way he does. Every time we go, the kids can put into practice what they’ve been working on with ABA’s and therapists in a fun and safe environment. They are there to play, but we always come out having learned something new.

My kids have extraordinarily different developmental needs, it can be a challenge to go to a place and get them to try new things. They both feel safe at Pretend City. My daughter has a lot of social nerves, but at Pretend City, she’s able to socialize and make new friends. This is a huge step for us.

I encourage all parents to visit Pretend City. Play is not just for the littlest of kids. I get asked a lot, “aren’t your kids too old for Pretend City?” And I answer “No!” They find something new and fun to play with every time, and as long as they’re excited to go and explore, then they are not too old!