In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, our Bridges College Success Program partnered with the Longview World of Wonders (WOW) for a Sensory Friendly Playtime—a low-sensory event designed for students with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorder to explore the museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. For autistic children, engaging in sensory play can retrain the brain's response to sensory information and cope better when dealing with different sounds, textures, lights, scents, and taste.

The WOW space was reserved for these students and their families and configured with lower light, no sound, and play centers filled with tactile, engaging activities to support motor and social skill development. LETU Bridges and other student volunteers facilitated 1:1 guided play and shared information about autism support.