I work in a k-2 autism class. Autism is near and dear to my heart. I'm always thrilled to find out about things that benefit or help families or those with autism. I was thrilled to learn that AMC has partnered with the autistic community to provide those kids with a sensory friendly environment- and still be able to watch movies on the big screen! According to AMC, "The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment [if you've ever been with an autistic child while they're stemming in a public place you'll know why this is important] The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and the audience members are invited to get up and dance, shout or sing!" [ever been to a movie with an autistic child as they latch onto that one phrase and repeat it a jillion times or ask you questions repeteadly? A place where they can freely talk and not get glared at, yay!!!!]
For a list of theatres that offer this awesome program check out this link! http://www.amcentertainment.com/Programs_and_offers/Programs/Sensory_Friendly_Films/
What an awesome idea! We had to wait until our son (with Asperger's) was around 7 before we were able to sit through a whole movie. He has done better as he is a bit older now, but the first movie we went to, we had to leave 10 minutes into it. Then, the second one, he sat through it, but he looked like he had been hit by a mack truck afterwards.
ReplyDeleteOne especially happy memory we have is the summer all the kids wanted to see a particular movie and they played it at a drive in that is 45 minutes from our house. It made us feel so normal to see a movie when it had just gotten into the theater rather than always having to wait for it on DVD.
I babysit for a family and the son has Asperger's, he gets very excited when watching movies and makes a lot of noise so it's hard to take him to a theatre. On one hand you don't want to annoy everyone else there but on the other hand it's not fair for him to have to miss out, and just like you said, having to wait for movies to come out on DVD.
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