The Assist Sensory Kits include a Bauer drawstring backpack, Bauer foam puck, Your Ears Rock 3M headphones, sunglasses, a fidget toy, a social story, Kleenex, a sanitary wipe, crayons, voucher for free popcorn at Capital One Arena and a Slapshot stuffed animal.
Dowd and LaBarbera founded The Assist with the goal of making everyone feel comfortable and confident when attending an event in any city. The kits are also available for purchase at
https://theassistsensorykit.com/
.
The Assist Kits were developed specifically for sporting events based on Dowd and LaBarbera's personal experience and education. Dowd, a former autism therapist, previously launched Dowd's Crowd with husband Nic to invite families with a member who has Autism to a game. Participants are provided with a sensory kit and meet and greet postgame. LaBarbera's son Ryder was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3 in 2012 when husband Jason was playing for the Arizona Coyotes. Since then, she has focused on raising funds and awareness for Autism-related causes.
