An oasis of calm for fans with autism at the Qatar World Cup

For the first time at a World Cup, special "sensory rooms" have been created at three stadiums in Qatar where autistic spectators, children, teens and young adults, can retreat when the big match experience becomes too much. – Photo: AFP

The calm and quiet is a stark contrast to the roar of a World Cup football stadium. But it is quite deliberate.

For the first time at the tournament, special "sensory rooms" have been created at three stadiums in Qatar where children, teens and young adults with autism or similar disabilities can retreat when the big-match atmosphere becomes too much.