Bergen Kids With Autism To High Five Pro Soccer Players In Halftime Fan Tunnel

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Autistic patients at a Bergen County children's hospital were invited to attend a professional soccer match and high five the players during halftime.

As part of a partnership with the New York Red Bulls, several autistic patients at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack were invited to attend the team's match against Houston Dynamo on April 15, and to participate in the halftime "high-five" tunnel.

In this special "Autism Awareness and Acceptance" soccer match, lights will be dimmed, and music and announcement volume will be lowered to accommodate fans with sensory issues.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales of this sensory-friendly match will benefit Autism CAN, a fundraising initiative of Hackensack Meridian Health — of which the Sanzari hospital is affiliated.

Many autistic children have sensory issues, meaning loud sounds and flashing lights can be problematic, Hackensack Meridian said in a release.

"That typically meant attending sporting events was out of the question," a spokesperson said, "until now."

In catering to the needs of autistic fans, Hackensack Meridian and the Red Bulls are handing out noise-canceling headphones, and wristbands to write down seat location in case a child gets lost. The BULLevard in front of the arena will also have no music played during the first hour of the event, and quiet rooms will be available for those who need a "sensory break."

To help support Autism CAN, fans can also donate by rounding up their concession stand purchases.