At the recent Autism Acceptance Night at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics honored the autism community with a meaningful event. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who wore special sneakers emblazoned with a rainbow infinity symbol representing neurodiversity, expressed personal connections to the cause as Max, his godson, has autism. The event featured sensory rooms to accommodate fans, along with a partnership with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. The foundation’s director emphasized continuous advocacy for autistic individuals beyond a single night.

The highlight of the night was the national anthem sung by Erik Dunn, who shared his journey with autism, inspiring the crowd. The Celtics also honored local heroes like Melissa DeFay, who owns a sensory gym for children with autism, showcasing their commitment to empowering the autism community.