Shine Global partnered with Chuck E. Cheese and Autism Speaks to celebrate World Autism Month this year with special film screenings, fundraisers, and exclusive content aimed at promoting awareness and inclusivity for children on the spectrum.

Shine Global’s latest film, Comedy Against the Odds, directed by six-time Daytime Emmy-winner Suzanne Luna, follows 10-year-old Austin Eletto, an aspiring stand-up comedian with autism, as he uses comedy to challenge stereotypes and embrace his identity.

Austin and Chuck E. teamed up to film three exclusive videos that were screened at 500+ Chuck E. Cheese locations during World Autism Month – watch them here:

Chuck E. Cheese, the No. 1 global family entertainment fun center, celebrated World Autism Month with sensory-friendly events, fundraisers and special film screenings as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for the autism community. Launched in 2017, Chuck E. Cheese’s monthly Sensory Sensitive Sundays have supported thousands of children and families on the spectrum at select locations by opening two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to provide an environment with dimmed lighting and lower volume so that kids with sensory sensitivities can enjoy all that Chuck E. Cheese has to offer. This is part of their ongoing national initiative with Autism Speaks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan, to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusiveness for autistic children while providing a safe, fun environment where families feel supported.

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About Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese is where half a million happy birthdays are celebrated every year, with a mission to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food and play. For over 47 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®, and it continues to set the standard for family entertainment through its interactive experiences, exciting arcade games and beloved Chuck E. Cheese character. Committed to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment, Chuck E. Cheese helps protect families through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check®. As a strong advocate for its local communities, Chuck E. Cheese has donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits through its fundraising programs. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers, with locations in 45 states and 16 foreign countries and territories. In PMQ’s Pizza Power Report 2025, Chuck E. Cheese was named one of the top 10 pizza chains in the U.S. For more information, visit chuckecheese.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting over 28.5 million people with autism and their families to free advocacy, services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. Learn more and join the movement by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About Shine Global

Shine Global is a nonprofit media company that improves children’s lives by telling powerful stories that raise awareness, promote action and inspire change. We produce inspiring films and compelling content about underserved children. Through tailored distribution and outreach, we connect with our audiences in communities, classrooms, museums, and on Capitol Hill as part of a powerful engagement campaign to encourage social change.

Since being co-founded by Albie Hecht and Susan MacLaury in 2005, Shine Global films have won more than 100 major awards, including an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short Subject for “Inocente,” an Academy Award®-nomination for Best Live Action for “Anuja,” and an Academy Award®-nomination and two Emmys® for “War/Dance.” Recent films include the documentary-animation hybrid “Liyana,” the hit documentary “The Eagle Huntress,” “Through Our Eyes: Homefront,” which is available on PBS and Max, the Ariel Award-winner “Home Is Somewhere Else,” and “Comedy Against the Odds.” For more information or to donate, visit www.shineglobal.org.