Tulsa, OK: "Sensory-friendly Back to School Bash" for autistic students and families

Aug 16, 2025, Fox23, Tulsa OK: Sensory-friendly Back to School Bash brings joy to Tulsa families

https://www.fox23.com/news/sensory-friendly-back-to-school-bash-brings-joy-to-tulsa-families/article_0cadc312-02f7-4092-ba3e-f1334f6a900e.html 

The line stretched outside Dave & Buster's Saturday morning, but this wasn't your typical arcade experience.

Hundreds of families gathered for a very special back-to-school celebration designed specifically for children on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing disorders.

Calm Gatherings of Tulsa welcomed 385 guests including parents and children for their sensory-friendly bash — their biggest event since the nonprofit started just this April.

"All the machines are silent. They turn it all off. So, you know, the noise you hear is basically just gonna be from the kids' laughter and having a good time. We don't wanna silence that at all. We want to increase that," said Tracy Witherich, founder and director of Calm Gatherings of Tulsa.

Dave & Buster's opened two hours early for the event, turning down machine volumes and music to create a more comfortable environment for children with sensory sensitivities.

Along with free play, families enjoyed school supplies, cupcakes, cookies and raffles. But for organizers, the event served a deeper purpose.

"Watching all the children get together. I do want to connect autism moms together too. I think that's important," said Tony Tinervia with Calm Gatherings of Tulsa.

The incredible turnout showed just how much events like this are needed in the community. Parents were too busy watching their children simply be kids in a space made just for them to stop and talk.

Witherich hopes Saturday's success will help build understanding throughout Tulsa.

"I wanna bring more awareness to the community and let us know that, you know, we are out there and we want to be celebrated just as much as any typical person," she said.

The organization maintains a monthly list of all sensory-friendly events in the Tulsa area and hopes to expand to more venues like restaurants and museums.

The nonprofit was founded in April 2025 by Witherich, who previously volunteered with other autism organizations including Celebrate Autism and Jacob's Bridge to Learning.

Calm Gatherings focuses on creating free, sensory-friendly events for people of all ages on the autism spectrum and those with sensory processing disorders.