Seattle, WA (April 2, 2011) – The Children’s Museum, Seattle opened its doors early Saturday morning to welcome families affected by autism to play and enjoy the Museum. Normally full of sounds and lights, the Museum dimmed their lights and turned off their sounds to create a quieter atmosphere for the visiting children.

Sound and light sensitivities are especially challenging for children with autism and often restrict the locations children can visit and play. “Thank you for sponsoring the Light It Up Blue event and offering new sensory friendly hours,” one mom wrote to the Museum. “We can’t wait to take part . . . we love you even more for including our son who has autism.”

The Museum launched a partnership with Autism Speaks in 2010 that has led to the new Early Opens for Autism. “The Museum values children and their families. This partnership with Autism Speaks is another way we can come along side families,” said Donna Marie Bertrand, Executive Director at the Museum. “The Museum desires to be a welcoming place for children with autism - Autism Speaks is helping us achieve that goal.”

The Museum will open its doors at 8:30am on the first Saturday of each month for families with children on the autistic spectrum. A reduced admission rate of $3 per person is offered for these special events. Families can learn more at www.thechildrensmuseum.org/autism.