GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Teenagers and young adults on the autism spectrum enjoyed pizza and dancing Friday night at a spring formal hosted by Centria Autism.

Attendees ages 13 to 21 entered the Hollywood-themed dance on a red carpet at the Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter St. SE.

After getting down on the dance floor and trying on props at a photo booth, trophies for individual successes and positive personal attributes were distributed. Recipients of the awards were chosen by their peers, and the titles ranged from happy helpers to best smiles.

According to Centria Autism, traditional proms can be overwhelming for those on the spectrum. Centria put on the dance not to replace other inclusive events, but to host a sensory-friendly, judgment-free zone for group members to celebrate with friends.

“Proms and formals are rites of passage not always enjoyed by people with special needs for a number of reasons,” says Alicia Kidwell, vice president of autism services at Centria Autism, which provides therapy for children with autism. "This event is all about them celebrating their strengths and their friendships. It gives them the chance to relax, let loose, and just have fun together.”