The Boston Celtics held Autism Acceptance Night at TD Garden Friday as the team hosted the Phoenix Suns. This marks the second time the franchise has dedicated a night to people living with autism.
TD Garden provided four sensory rooms designed to offer a calm atmosphere for fans who may otherwise want to take a break from the loud noises and other sensory stimuli from the game. These were available throughout the building, and according to the Celtics, team employees were invited to participate in a "Introduction to Sensory Inclusion" training that came with educational resources and the chance to earn a certification.
The evening included several other intimate moments that helped celebrate the autism community, including a special gesture from Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Mazzulla wore a customized pair of sneakers to further promote awareness for individuals living with autism. The shoes feature a rainbow infinity symbol to represent neurodiversity and inclusion. This logo is borrowed from the To the Max Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by former Celtics assistant coach Scott Morrison and his wife Susanne in honor of their son Max, who was diagnosed with autism in 2022. Coaches throughout the NBA are wearing special shoes to support the To the Max Foundation.
For Mazzulla, though, the night hits especially close to home. Max is Mazzulla's godson. He spoke about the sneakers and participating in Autism Acceptance Night after the game
"It's an important cause, Mazzulla said. "I know people in my life whose children have autism, and the impact it can have on children and families. Max is my godson, and so to be able to represent him and help him in any way I can, it's a great opportunity."
Mazzulla's sneakers are part of a league-wide initiative, but Friday also saw efforts to support the autism community closer to home. The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism worked with the ...
