Chuck E. Cheese adds Gluten-Free Menu Choices
Last updated on March 2nd, 2018 at 04:31 pm
Now children on special diets can enjoy new items during a trip to the overly stimulating kiddie casino called Chuck E. Cheese’s. In addition to the rides, climbing tunnels and arcade games there is now an individual sized gluten-free cheese pizza and a gluten-free chocolate cupcake on the menu at over 500 locations in the United States and Canada.
Here are some of the key FAQ about the new Chuck E. Cheese Gluten-Free Menu:
How many Chuck E. Cheese’s locations offer a gluten-free menu?
The gluten-free menu is available at more than 500 Chuck E. Cheese’s locations beginning Nov. 13.
How can I find out if my local Chuck E. Cheese’s offers the gluten-free menu?
Guests can inquire about their local restaurant’s gluten-free menu by contacting guest relations at 1-888-778-7193.
How much will the gluten-free menu items cost?
Chuck E. Cheese’s personal-size gluten-free pizza costs $5.99 at most locations in the U.S. The chocolate cupcake costs $2.99 in the U.S. or C$3.49 in Canada. Prices may vary slightly at some locations.
What makes Chuck E. Cheese’s gluten-free pizza different from other chains offering gluten-free pizza?
Chuck E. Cheese’s utilizes an innovative and unique process from kitchen to table that reduces the gluten-free pizza’s chances of encountering any sort of particle that might cross-contaminate the product and make it unsafe for a guest with strict gluten intolerance. Additionally, Chuck E. Cheese’s gluten-free cheese pizza is sold for the same price as its personal-size pizza with traditional crust.
How does the gluten-free pizza get from the kitchen to the guest’s table?
The gluten-free pizza arrives at Chuck E. Cheese’s locations from Conte’s Pasta’s dedicated, certified gluten-free facilities in frozen, pre-sealed packaging. The bake-in-bag pizza remains sealed while cooked and delivered, until it is opened and served with a personal pizza cutter at families’ tables by the adult in charge.
Under the same procedure, gluten-free chocolate fudge cupcakes from Fabe’s All Natural Bakery will remain in pre-sealed, single-serve packaging through preparation until opened and served at the table.
Are Chuck E. Cheese’s gluten-free menu options appropriate for children and adults with celiac disease?
Yes, Chuck E. Cheese’s gluten-free menu items are manufactured in dedicated gluten-free certified facilities and kept sealed from delivery to kitchen to table to prevent possible cross-contamination from outside particles.
For additional FAQ and information on Chuck E. Cheese’s new Gluten-Free Menu, click here.
To read more on Gluten-Free, click here.
Feb 23rd: AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film is Escape from Planet Earth
Last updated on February 18th, 2013 at 09:58 pm
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental
panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden”.
On Saturday February 23rd at 10am local time, Escape from Planet Earth will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming March 30th: The Croods 2-D
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Editor’s note: Although Escape from Planet Earth has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for action and some mild rude humor. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
How To Find The Best Dentist For Your Special Needs Child
Last updated on August 29th, 2015 at 04:22 pm
We all know how important it is to find the right dentist for your family. There are several factors that come into play- someone who understands your concerns and makes you feel comfortable, someone with experience and the skills necessary, someone close to your home, someone who takes or helps with filing your insurance. These criteria are important for sure but there are a few more factors to take into account when finding a dentist for your special needs child.
A dentist with rave reviews and the most experience may not always mean they are the best choice for your special needs child. It is important that the dental staff and doctor know and understand the needs of your child before the appointment. The best way to handle this is to schedule a sit down with the doctor to discuss exactly what is needed and make sure the dental team can accommodate your needs. Most dental offices offer free consultations for exactly this reason. You’ll want to discuss your child’s disabilities and sensitivities. You’ll also want to discuss the dental office’s policies for restraining children who are unable to control their movements or may become agitated or combative. These options may range from sitting them in the parent’s lap and holding them to a papoose board, or even mild sedation.
Having a plan in place prior to the dental treatment appointment will eliminate possible mental trauma and anguish to your child and frustration with your dental team.
While most general dentistry practices see children, it may be wise to look into a pediatric dentist who is specially trained and equipped for children. There are even pediatric dentists who have become trained in special needs dentistry by completing two or more years of advanced education beyond dental school. These dentists have a complete understanding of the issues your child may have with visiting a dentist- sensitivity to touch, new people, change of environment or routine. A dental staff who is fully trained to handle these concerns will take steps to ensure that the child is seen by the same staff member each time, in the same room and chair, while wearing the same outfit each time.
Dental care is important for all children and adults alike but because children with disabilities have higher incident of gum disease, cavities and other dental concerns, it is very important you find a dentist that you can all feel comfortable with and trust. If you are unsure how to find a dentist to fit your needs, check with advocacy organizations in your area. Your child deserves to be as comfortable as possible during every dental appointment.
Jan 5th, Treat Your Little One to a Sensory Friendly Monsters, Inc.
Last updated on January 7th, 2013 at 11:40 am
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie 
theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden”.
On Saturday January 5th at 10am local time, Monsters, Inc. will be screened (in 2D) as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (just scroll to the bottom of the page).
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Editor’s note: Although Monsters, Inc. has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, and it is rated G by the Motion Picture Association of America, we do want parents to know that there are some frightening / intense scenes in the film. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description to determine if it is right for you and your child.
8 Amazing Achievements From My Special Needs Child’s 8th Year
Last updated on March 3rd, 2018 at 10:34 am
As the year draws to a close it’s a great time to appreciate the achievements your child has accomplished during the past twelve months, no matter how small they may seem to others. It’s also a good time to regroup and look to the future – break a large goal into smaller steps and praise each step (or stumble) along the way.
8 amazing achievements from my special needs child’s 8th year of life:
- She is finally sleeping through the night. Not every night, and not even most nights, but once or twice a week I am actually able to get a full night of rest…unless one of her brothers has an issue, or an illness, or a nightmare….meanwhile, I need to shop for some extra strength under eye concealer.
- For the first time, she read me a book. And she even read the actual words that were on the page!
- She can “get air” – she can jump and get both feet off the ground. This means she can now skip and play jump rope. It’s such a small thing to most other little girls, yet she worked long and hard to get there.
- She knows her name, address and my cell phone number. She even knows how to use our house phone to call out, as I discovered when I checked my voice mail!
- She now gets most of her nutrition from actual food, and only some of it from non-toxic items like erasers and moldable dough.
- She can pick out her own clothes and get dressed by herself. Not that she wants to, or that she does it regularly, but she has the ability.
She sat still for an entire dental visit and even allowed them to polish her teeth – HUGE! I remember a therapist working with her as an infant, trying to teach me how to desensitize her mouth so she could feed from a bottle and avoid a feeding tube.- She is usually the one with the doctor’s appointments, scrapes and boo-boos but the other day when her brother got hurt at school she went to the office with him, sat next to him and held his hand.
Tomorrow, Rise of the Guardians is the AMC Sensory Friendly Film
Last updated on December 10th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie 
theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves. “For a parent with a special needs child attempting an outing like this may seem overwhelming. And yet getting out, being with the community and sharing in an experience with an audience can be invaluable for just such children”.
On Saturday December 8th at 10am local time, Rise of the Guardians will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
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Editor’s note: Although Rise of the Guardians has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for thematic elements and some mildly scary action. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
