SOURCE: Saint Joseph's University
Designed and Staffed by the University’s nationally recognized Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, Saint Joseph’s is among the first in college athletics to offer on-site resource for individuals with autism.
PHILADELPHIA (December 2, 2018) — Saint Joseph’s University is one of the first higher education institutions to offer an Autism Break Room in an NCAA Division I athletic arena, which will be unveiled on December 2 to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and help make every family’s game day experience positive and inclusive.
“A high-energy event, like the quintessential experience of a college basketball game, can pose challenges for people with autism. By providing a supportive break room, with trained staff and sensory-friendly items, we can ensure that all fans and families can get in on the fun,” said Joseph McCleery, Ph.D., executive director of academic programs at The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support. “Our preliminary research shows that exercise can be a powerful tool in autism treatment, so getting kids excited about sports is important.”
The break room is designed and staffed by experts at the University’s nationally recognized Kinney Center who also trained game-day leaders on how to best support families. Complete with sensory-friendly items such as stress balls, bean bag chairs, bounce boards, weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones and more, the break room will provide a quiet, safe space for families, children and adults with autism to enjoy a calm moment and take a break from the excitement of a Hawks game.
“Hagan Arena will now be an even more welcoming and inclusive environment for families and children with autism,” said Jill Bodensteiner, director of athletics at Saint Joseph’s University. “In light of the fact that Saint Joseph's is the home to the world class Kinney Center, we should be a leader in college athletics when it comes to integrating individuals with sensory differences into the athletics community.”
The Break Room will open to the public when the Saint Joseph’s women’s basketball team faces rival Villanova, in a Fan Fest and Autism Awareness Game, which will feature a half-time scrimmage by participants in the Kinney Center’s basketball program and family-friendly activities. More than 150 Kinney Center students and family members will attend.
The Autism Break Room will also be available at games on January 20, February 2 and March 2.
About Saint Joseph’s University
Founded in 1851 in the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence, Saint Joseph’s University is a top-ranked Catholic University that provides a rigorous, student-centered education. With a total enrollment of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, SJU offers a wide array of academic programs designed so that each graduate enters the world with a competitive resume and global perspective. This is achieved through intense academic study led by thought-leading faculty scholars, a comprehensive campus experience and robust study abroad, service-learning, internship and co-op programs. Upon graduation, nearly 100 percent of students are employed, pursuing advanced degrees or volunteering in prestigious service programs. A member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, SJU offers 20 Division I intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports. SJU alumni — over 68,000 strong — provide a powerful network that spans the globe.
