Chrysler is celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by announcing a new partnership with the Autism Society of America and introducing a new Calm Cabin package for the Pacifica minivan.
Unveiled at the New York Auto Show, the Calm Cabin package is designed to make travel less stressful for people with autism. As the company explained, “vehicles can be stressful, scary experiences for those with autism due to an environment that can be overstimulating and uncomfortable.”
To make travel as relaxing as possible, the Calm Cabin package has a weighted blanket, a soft-touch travel pillow, and a soft seat belt sleeve. Buyers will also find a seat-back organizer as well as a meditative light and sound therapy machine. The latter is cordless and rechargeable, and features four light therapy modes and 15 sound therapy modes.
More: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Road Tripper Celebrates 40 Years Of Minivans
The package will be available from Chrysler’s online store later this spring and items can also be purchased individually. The latter option enables customers to fine-tune the interior to make it a “calm, safe and comfortable” place for those with autism.
While an autism-focused package isn’t something you see every day, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell said the effort is an extension of the brand’s focus on families. She also noted the package has received a lot of support internally, especially from parents with autistic children.
That support shouldn’t be surprising as Chrysler quoted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as saying autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. One in 36 children are impacted as are 5.8 million adults.
Besides offering the Calm Cabin package, Chrysler is looking to build autism awareness. As part of this effort, dealers will receive training to understand the unique needs of autistic individuals and their families. The company will also encourage people to donate to the Autism Society of America and provide the organization with three Pacificas for one year.
