The Return of Sensory Street

Photo from Pensacola News Journal

Autism Pensacola Sensory Street, the second interactive event in this Florida city, is set to return June 24-25, 2022. This two-day event first made its mark on Pensacola and the local autism community in June of 2021. Open to all, Sensory Street allows for a collaborative experience to spread awareness about autism and provide individuals the ability to “enter the world of autism” (Autism Pensacola).

This year’s Sensory Street is focusing more on an interactive experience rather than solely providing information counters for guests. Visitors can expect various activities and sights at this event. There will be a station for planting seeds, a dance area with a music therapist, as well as a haircut and dentistry station allowing for real-world comfort practice.

Sensory Street is put on by Autism Pensacola, a non-profit organization in Florida that was formed to aid families affected by autism with useful information and resources. Seeking to generate more awareness about autism in the Pensacola community and the world, the idea of Sensory Street came to life. Director Mary McClellan hopes that this organization and its Sensory Street event help to eliminate the stigma associated with autism; the world needs to realize that individuals with autism “can be just as effective and just as important to the community as their neurotypical peers” (Pensacola News Journal).