For the newly created Autism Theatre Initiative, TDF worked with an advisory panel of experts in the field of autism, and in order to create an "autism-friendly" Lion King, performed in a friendly, supportive environment. Slight adjustments to the production included reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. Also, in the theatre lobby area, there were designated quiet areas, staffed with autism experts, if anyone needed to leave his or her seats during the performance.
Here, NBC Nightly News goes behind-the-scenes at the Oct. 2 performance. Anne Thompson talked to parents who thought they would never be able to take their autistic child to a Broadway show.
To check out the scene at the autism-friendly performance, look below:
