Sensory Sensitive Sundays (SSS) is a program used at Chuck E. Cheese restaurants, used to encourage families with children on the austism spectrum. The program started in 2016, in which every sunday in the month of April, participating CEC stores open an hour or two early to let families with autistic children experience CEC without the overly stimulating atmosphere of a normal visit.
History
In 2016, CEC Entertainment, Inc. partnered with Autism Speaks, which is a controversial non-profit autism awareness organization, to create a program for families with children who are on the autism spectrum.
Controversy
While the CEC program has not received any controversy, the partner organization of the program, Autism Speaks, has received a large widespread controversy regarding it's statements on autism.
Autism Speaks has regarded autism as a disease, and not a disorder, and formerly stated in their mission statement that they were looking to find a supposed 'cure' for autism, although they removed any reference to said statement of a cure in 2016.
Differences of Sensory Sensitive Sundays Visit and Normal CEC Visit
X = Not Available during normal visit
✓ = Available during normal visit
SSS CEC |
Normal CEC |
Dimmed Lighting |
X |
Limited Appearances from Chuck E. |
X |
Play All Games And Rides |
✓ |
Less Crowding |
X |
Quieter Restaurant Environment |
X |
All Ages and Siblings Welcome |
✓ |
Show and Music Turned Down or Off Entirely |
X |
Full Menu Available for Orders |
✓ |
No Admission Fees |
✓ |