On October 2, 2011, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) launched a new program, Autism Theatre Initiative, to make theatre accessible to children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as their families. 

The program, which is a part of TDF's Accessibility Programs (TAP), presented the first autism-friendly performance of a Broadway show with Disney's landmark musical THE LION KING at the Minskoff Theatre (200 West 45th Street, NYC) on Sunday, October 2 at 1pm.

The show was performed in a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other sensitivity issues.  Slight adjustments to the production included reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience.  In the theatre lobby there were staffed quiet areas and an activity area for those who needed to leave their seats during the performance.

A downloadable social story (in Word format) with pictures of the theatre and production was available several months in advance of the performance that was designed to personalize the experience for each attendee with ASD. Tickets were offered through TDF at affordable prices, the top price being $79.00.

This initial performance was extremely successful, and we are looking to schedule additional autism-friendly performances in the future.

TDF wishes to acknowledge the following donors
for their generous support of the Autism Theatre Initiative:

The Joseph LeRoy and Ann C. Warner Fund, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the New York Tri-State Area
Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation
Autism Friendly Spaces, LLC
autismshop.com