In a world where inclusivity is becoming a defining standard, Chuck E. Cheese is taking significant strides to ensure that every child, regardless of their sensory needs, feels welcome in their play centers. This April, in honor of World Autism Month, the beloved family entertainment brand is amplifying its long-standing commitment to the autism community through sensory-friendly events, fundraisers, and inspiring media collaborations.

Since 2017, Chuck E. Cheese’s Sensory Sensitive Sundays have provided a refuge for children on the autism spectrum by offering a quieter, dimmer environment where they can comfortably enjoy the brand’s signature entertainment. This year, the company will hold its annual national Sensory Sensitive Sundays event on April 27 across all U.S. and Canadian locations, donating 20% of the day’s sales (up to $30,000) to Autism Speaks.

“During World Autism Month and throughout the entire year, Chuck E. Cheese is dedicated to leading the family entertainment industry with our commitment to promote awareness among our guests and employees and through our partnership with Autism Speaks,” says David McKillips, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment. “This year, we are extending our advocacy work even further with Shine Global, allowing us to provide a platform and opportunity for voices like Austin’s to be heard by millions of guests visiting our fun centers.”

Beyond Play

Throughout April, guests at Chuck E. Cheese fun centers will have multiple opportunities to support Autism Speaks:

  • A round-up campaign at checkout will allow guests to donate their change to the nonprofit.
  • Online orders will feature donation add-ons of $1, $3, or $5.
  • The Chuck E. Cheese Online Shop will contribute 10% of April’s sales to Autism Speaks.

These contributions will aid Autism Speaks in funding research, advocacy, and no-cost resources for autistic individuals and their families.

A New Partnership with Shine Global

This year, Chuck E. Cheese is taking its advocacy efforts to the big screen through a new collaboration with Shine Global, a nonprofit media company dedicated to telling impactful stories about children’s lives. Together, they will premiere “Comedy Against the Odds,” a film directed by six-time Daytime Emmy-winner Suzanne Luna, which follows 10-year-old Austin Eletto—a young comedian with autism who challenges stereotypes through humor. The film will be showcased at private screenings in Burbank, California, and Brooklyn, New York, before being shared across nearly 500 Chuck E. Cheese locations.

On April 18, guests can also support Shine Global by dining at Chuck E. Cheese, with 20% of sales donated to the organization when a fundraising voucher is presented.

Empowering the Autism Community

Chuck E. Cheese’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond its fun centers. The company participates in Autism Speaks’ Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program, ensuring that its workforce is trained to support guests of all abilities. Moreover, Chuck E. Cheese continues its sponsorship of key Autism Speaks events, including the Empower Summit & Challenge and the Autism Speaks Walk in Los Angeles.

“In our 20th year of supporting the autism community, Autism Speaks is more committed than ever to creating a world where total acceptance and opportunities for all are guaranteed,” says Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo. “Creating inclusive experiences for autistic children paves the way for greater inclusion in health care, education and employment, making Chuck E. Cheese’s efforts invaluable in redefining what’s possible for people with autism at all stages of life.”

As Chuck E. Cheese deepens its investment in the autism community, it continues to set a precedent for the family entertainment industry—one where every child has the opportunity to experience joy, laughter, and belonging.