Boomers to debut 'quiet rooms' at autism awareness game

The Schaumburg Boomers will debut two "quiet rooms" for families with children with sensory issues during an event June 4 to support autism awareness.

Northbrook-based Autism Home Support Services and The Schaumburg Boomers are holding a special Autism Awareness baseball game at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 4. The Boomers will be playing against The Windy City Thunderbolts.

The game will feature the debut of two "quiet rooms," where parents can take children with sensory issues who get overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the baseball game.

The rooms will provide a calm, soothing place where families can find reprieve during sensory episodes before returning to watch the remainder of the game. The quiet rooms will be available throughout the 2017 baseball season and going forward.

The stadium's PA system will also be lowered for this game.

In addition, AHSS is training 75 people from The Schaumburg Boomers staff to recognize the signs that a child might have autism spectrum disorder and understand how to best interact with them. Boomers front office staff will help facilitate access to the quiet rooms.

"Activities like a baseball game that most families take for granted can easily overload children with ASD," said Laura McKee, CEO of Autism Home Support Services. "We're delighted to partner with The Schaumburg Boomers organization to make going to a baseball game a fun outing for all families."

"The partnership between Autism Home Support Services and Boomers Baseball is a winning combination for our community," said Dave Chase, general manager for the Schaumburg Boomers.

"It is vitally important for our fans and the greater Schaumburg area to become better educated about autism spectrum disorders and those who deal with it on a daily basis. We are proud to hold Autism Awareness Night at the ballpark again this season."

The June 4 Autism Awareness Game will feature special player jerseys, all of which will be auctioned during the game. Proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, a national organization dedicated to advancing research into the causes of and better treatment for autism spectrum disorders and related conditions.

Schaumburg Boomers fans will be able to participate in the jersey auction via Facebook and Twitter (@boomersbaseball).

For information, visit www.boomersbaseball.com.