News : Sensory-Friendly Morning at Iowa State Fair Presented by ChildServe August 13

On Wednesday, August 13, ChildServe will sponsor the fourth annual Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Iowa State Fair. During the Sensory-Friendly Morning, the fair will create an environment designed for children, teens and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind, so families who have a member with special healthcare needs can visit, explore and enjoy the fair.

Sensory-Friendly Morning attendees will experience staple traditions of the event and new activities in 2025, including the inclusive Variety Star Playground and the ability to put their skills in the kitchen to work making traditional Fair Squares.

Along with specialized programming throughout the fairgrounds, ChildServe Calming Rooms will again be available and staffed by ChildServe therapists. If an individual gets overstimulated at the fair, these rooms provide families a safe space to take a break. Activities are in place for individuals who need relief from the fair's stimulating environment as well as those who need to release energy to regulate their bodies.

Additional information on ChildServe's affiliation with Sensory-Friendly Morning can be found online by visiting https://www.iowastatefair.org/visit/sensory-friendly-morning or https://www.childserve.org/sensory-friendly-morning-at-the-iowa-state-fair-2025/.

DATE: Wednesday, August 13

TIME: 8:00 a.m. to noon

LOCATION: Iowa State Fairgrounds

Animal Learning Center

E 34th Street

Des Moines, Iowa 50317

WHO: Cindy Pommrehn, Aedyn's mom, ChildServe Parent

Jordan Juhl Marcon, ChildServe Director of Public Relations

Abbie Green, ChildServe Rehabilitation Manager

Leslie Rogers, ChildServe Vice President of Outpatient Services

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About ChildServe

As Iowa's only pediatric specialty hospital, ChildServe offers inpatient and outpatient services for children and young adults with special healthcare needs. ChildServe's four key service areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. The organization's array of services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can get many of their child's needs met in one location. Since 1928, ChildServe has partnered with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. Today, the organization provides more than 30 services to over 5,800 children in Iowa each year.