If you're a parent, you've had experiences where your child changes your plans. Maybe you need to stick with family-oriented restaurants. Or you can only go see family films. Well, if you're a parent to an autistic child, it can get even more complicated. Maybe when you open the door of the family-oriented restaurant, your child starts screaming and struggling like he or she is deathly afraid. Or maybe you make it into the movie theater, just to find yourself leaving as soon as the lights go down, or the sound comes on. Because autistic children can have sensory issues well beyond those of typical children. It can get wearing at times. Not because of the looks or comments of others which, frankly, become easier to ignore as time goes along. Just because you know that your child is missing out on something he or she would truly enjoy. Or, if you have autistic and non-autistic children, because you can't do something fun as a family.
I have so much wished to have the experience of sitting in a movie with my boy. Well folks, that's what I'm doing tomorrow (Saturday) morning. If you're like me, and you want to see a movie with your autistic child, or if you know a family who might wish to do so, follow me below the fold.
The Autism Society of America has teamed up with AMC Theaters to provide venues for families of autistic children to take their kids to the movies, in selected theaters, which have been set up to accomodate the special sensory needs of autistic children.
Here's a link to the AMC website, which describes the program. And below is a snippet which explains the program:
In partnership with the Autism Society of America, we bring AMC Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism on a monthly basis to select communities. The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. 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!
This month, the movie that has been selected for the program is the Pixar blockbuster Up. I've been meaning to see this movie, but there's no way I could go with my son. Until now. This Saturday morning, we're going to a movie.
The showings will be at 10AM, and here's a list of participating theaters nationwide. If there's not a showing near you, don't despair. After all, here's how the program got started:
The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
Get a few of your friends or acquaintances who have autistic children, and contact your local AMC theater. Maybe next month, your theater can participate in the program.
Above all else, have fun this weekend, whatever you do.