Movie Showings for Guests & Families Living with Autism or Other Special Needs

With the holidays coming up, many families turn to the movie theater as a fun family activity, whether it is the new Marvel hero to hit the silver screen, Doctor Strange, defending our world from powers mystic, a trip across the Pacific Islands with the brave Moana and her demi-god friend Maui, or a journey to A Galaxy Far Far away with the new Star Wars story Rogue One. But for kids with autism, the traditional movie experience can be pretty overwhelming. The loud sounds and the dark can be pretty overwhelming, and the need to watch the movie in silence can be hard for the kids. Though they may love the stories told and the heroics performed it can be difficult yo handle all the sensory input. For many families with kids with autism, going to a movie theater together is simply not an option.

Doctor Strange

Moana

Rogue One

Fortunately, movie theaters across the country have recognized the need to offer sensory-friendly viewings.

AMC Sensory Friendly Films to Families Affected by Autism is just one example in a growing movement to welcome families with kids on the spectrum to the theater by adapting to the audience’s unique needs. According to their website, “the auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!” AMC’s program, and many other theater companies with similar initiatives, is available across the country, and their popularity is growing!

“AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to bring you unique movie showings where you can feel free to be you! We turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing!

We are now expanding our Sensory Friendly Film program to four showings per month.

• The second and fourth Tuesday and Saturday.
• Family-friendly movies will continue to show Saturdays, starting at 10am local time
• We’ve added Tuesday showings at 7pm local time that may appeal to others on the autism spectrum.

Share posts and pics of your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.

Curious about the sensory friendly movie experience?”

What About Other Times?

Sometimes, however, there are times where a child with autism or other sensory disorders is in an environment that is overwhelming. In daily life there can be times where it can be too much, or special events that you want to share with those you care about, be it a concert, a sporting event, or simply a night in a crowded place.

There are. however, things you can do to help your child deal with these kinds of environments. One of the best of these products, that have gained popularity due to the latest Olympics is the earBanz available in both infant and kids sizes. Seen on Michael Phelp’s son, Boomer, these have become, with their certified noise
reduction, a great tool for parents to help their kids stay comfortable in loud environments. A cursory glance at social media shows kids and infants attending concerts and events with earBanz looking comfortable and undisturbed.

 
Another great idea to help a child with sensory input disorders is to have either a weighted lap pad or blanket in order to help calm and comfort them. Providing a calming and soothing
weight, they can even be heated or cooled, they help a child calm down in environments that might be overwhelming.

How do you and those you care about deal with entertainment options when dealing with sensory input disorders? Let us know in the comments!