Sunday, July 29, will be Autism Awareness Day at Target Field, with 250 fans watching the series finale against the Indians from a dedicated section in left field. It has been an annual event for the Twins since 2004, but team president Dave St. Peter said it may grow to a handful of games as early as next season. <\/p>\n
\"As an organization there hasn't been anything decided, but it's definitely a consideration for the future,\" St. Peter said. \"We'll certainly look at the possibility this offseason.\" <\/p>\n
The event is designed to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, a set of brain-based disorders that affect a person's behavior, as well as social and communications skills. It also is an opportunity for people with ASD, their families and friends to enjoy a game in a supportive environment. <\/p>\n
\"Once people realize we have this going on, they're more apt to bring their kids to a game, whereas in the past they may have felt isolated and lonely,\" said Brad Trahan, executive director for RT Autism Awareness Foundation in Rochester, Minn., which promotes the Twins event each year. \"Now we're all together with parents and caregivers.\" <\/p>\n
That social engagement is important for ASD families, who often get out only rarely because of social or economic issues, Trahan said. His foundation, named after his son, Reece, is petitioning Major League Baseball to add an autism awareness weekend to the schedule similar to those dedicated to raising awareness for breast and prostate <\/p>\n
The New York Mets announced in June they are thinking of creating a permanent \"quiet\" autism section. Because many on the autism spectrum can be overwhelmed by even everyday stimuli, the section would drastically lower the volume on the PA announcements, and cut out music and cheerleading. St. Peter said he is familiar with the Mets' plan, and the Twins could do something similar. <\/p>\n
\"We are able to modify the PA system speakers for certain sections; we can turn them down or off,\" he said. \"It would mainly be the sound piece we focus on. Our challenge is to get out in front of it -- identify the section and the game so that we can deliver on that experience while allowing others to enjoy a typical game-day experience. We've been able to do that with our peanut-free sections. It's on our list of things to consider.\" <\/p>\n
Trahan expects 250 to sit in the autism section on Sunday, 230 of whom got their tickets through the foundation. Tickets were $19, but an anonymous donor bought the last 41 and donated them to ASD families. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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