At Bat for Autism Strategies
First, a note of welcome:
AIR is very excited to offer resources and strategies to attend a baseball game. We
have additionally spent several weeks conducting educational sessions about autism
and related disorders to vendors and staff at Citizens Bank Park. These sessions were
brief and designed to fit into the typical training offered, in hopes of becoming a regular
part of the program annually. The educational sessions were designed to raise
awareness and sensitivity, and not to create autism experts. As you know, autism can
look as different as the individuals that have it and it would be impossible to prepare for
every possible situation that might arise.
During these educational sessions at Citizens Bank Park, we were struck by the
willingness and enthusiasm of the ballpark personnel to understand and meet the needs
of those attending games. However, baseball games are frequently noisy and crowded
and individual needs vary. We ask that you work with us as we all learn together how to
create a positive experience. Neither this program nor Citizens Bank Park can
guarantee a flawless experience. I can tell you however, that the willingness to learn
about how to meet the needs of families with special needs was very exciting.
The number one strategy I leave you with is that communication and patience are the
best strategies in helping each other to create a positive experience for all.
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Other strategies are listed below.
Prepare for the game:
Preparation can be an important part of any
event. Baseball Stories with photos that
can be used in picture schedules are
available at www.autismir.com. Look over
the photos and discuss the stories.
Consider putting the photos on a ring,
binder, or iPad, and bringing them to the
game for reference. A visual schedule can
help set the pace for the day.
Make sure you are wearing comfortable
clothing and protected from the sun.
Consider bringing a fidget to occupy hands or a baseball hat to block out visual
information as well as the sun. Your child may benefit from headphones to decrease
noise. a back pack can supply some sensory feedback.
When you get your tickets, consider getting seats on an aisle for easier access. Sitting
in the front or last row may mean less noise. Look for tickets in the shade.
If arranged in advance, there is sometimes space in wheelchair accessible seating,
which may be helpful as seats are not built in and it would allow you more space than in
the actual stands. If you think you may need special seating or accommodations, you
can order those tickets ahead of time via the Phillies' individual ticket
office (215.463.1000). If you realize you need this seating when you arrive at the game,
you may be able to exchange into an accessible seat at that time. However, you should
be aware that this seating is based upon availability, which is why calling in advance is
preferable.
In Case of Rain
Prepare yourself for rain. Wear rain gear
to help stay dry or prepare your family for
the chance that they may be on a
crowded concourse waiting for rain to
pass. There may be other, quieter
options available, although this cannot
be guaranteed. Asking for a supervisor
to advise you if it rains may be helpful.
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At the Game:
Whether or not you call ahead, identifying yourself when you arrive as an individual or
family that may require assistance or extra understanding can be helpful.
Come early to the game to avoid traffic on the way, in the parking lot and when walking
into the park. Arriving early will also enable you to park closer to the park and be closer
to the car when you leave. You may want to avoid the park entrances when they are
the most crowded, from about 30 minutes before a game. Ashburn Alley opens 2 ½
hours prior to game time every day (access from Left Field Gate). Normal gates open 1
½ hours prior to game time Monday-Friday and 2 hours on Saturday and Sundays.
If you have dietary restrictions, some of the food vendors have products that may
interest you. For example, there is a Gluten free stand behind section 128. Also, it may
be possible for food to be brought to your seats via an iPhone app by texting if it seems
like too many transitions to go to the vending stands themselves.
If you are unable to leave your seat, or would like to discretely report an incident
(security needed, spilled drink, medical issue, etc.) you can text “PHILLIES” (Space) the
issue and location to 69050, and an attendant will come assist you.
A baseball game is frequently a noisy and crowded environment. If you feel
overwhelmed, you can ask a supervisor if there is a quieter spot in which you may take
a break. We will caution you that there are not many of these areas and those that do
exist may not be perfectly quiet or isolated, but an effort can still be made to find an
area in which to get out of the crowd.
Consider a game-related activity like focusing on one player’s actions or tracking runs.
Taking photos or short videos of your child at the game and use them as a reminder of
successful moments.
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Leaving the Game:
Consider leaving the game a bit early in order to avoid the rush of exiting.
For additional information regarding visiting Citizens Bank Park, check out : http://
philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/ballpark/index.jsp
*Photos courtesy of Ruby Huang,
text by Wendy Ross, MD, FAAP with contributions from Jaime Bassman MS, OTR/L