Not every film goer is dazzled by the lights and sounds coming from today’s blockbusters.
People with autism often find the effects upsetting, and so they stay home rather than endure sensory overload. The same holds true for parents who have children with autism.
Sensory Friendly Films ratchets down the sights and sounds so people with autism can enjoy the latest, greatest films out of Hollywood.
Marguerite Colston, Vice President of Constituent Relations at The Autism Society, checked in with WWTW to share more about the program and its positive impact on children with autism.
WWTW: How would you describe Sensory Friendly Films, and how long have programs like this been helping people with Autism?
Marguerite Colston: Sensory Friendly Films provides an opportunity for families touched by autism to enjoy a newly released movie at their local AMC theater each month. Many families have told us they had not been able to attend a movie before this program because the lights and sounds affected their children and audiences were not very tolerant. At Sensory Friendly Films, the theater is less dark than usual and the sound of the movie is not as loud. People are free to get up and move around the theater or to laugh out loud if they desire, and nobody in the audience says a word. The Autism Society and AMC Entertainment have been holding Sensory Friendly Films since 2008. There are currently 124 AMC theaters in the United States offering Sensory Friendly Films. The November 20 showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will mark the addition of three additional theaters offering the program in Chicago, Boston and San Antonio.
WWTW: Can you briefly describe why children with Autism react so strongly to loud sounds and bright lights?
MC: It is common for individuals on the autism spectrum to have sensory integration issues, which may make their senses overactive or under-active. For a person with autism, the experiences with brightness or sound can be more painful than for a person not on the spectrum. Some children are particularly sensitive to sound, which is why sitting in a loud theater can be extremely uncomfortable.
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WWTW: Would you recommend these film events for all parents of children with Autism, or are there individual factors which might make one child a great fit for it and another much less so?
MC: Sensory Friendly Films are a great opportunity for all individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, not only because of the sensory-friendly environment, but because it’s a welcoming atmosphere. Everyone in the audience understands. We also invite people who are not on the spectrum but have sensory integration issues or other developmental disabilities to attend Sensory Friendly Films.
WWTW: It must be encouraging for parents of children with autism to discover a nurturing environment …. do these film events also have a positive effect on the children beyond the obvious entertainment value?
MC: In addition to the entertainment value, seeing a new release also gives children something relevant to talk about with their peers. Individuals with autism, both children and adults, typically experience difficulties in social interactions. Being able to relate to others over the new popular movie is a great gateway to further social experiences.
WWTW: Have there been any studies connected to events like this and how they help children?
MC: Studies show that sensory-friendly environment lessens the anxiety of a person with autism and social interaction tends to improve.
WWTW: Given the stats regarding the number of children in the U.S. with autism, do you expect more entertainment venues to begin offering events like this in the future?
MC: We hope so! According to the CDC, there are 1 in 110 people with autism in the United States, a number that has been growing rapidly throughout the past decade alone. We have certainly seen a wider interest in people looking to become involved in sensory-friendly activities, such as at restaurants, hair salons and hotels. We are starting a sensory-friendly revolution!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow! What a great thing this is! Having seen and enjoyed “Temple Grandin” I learned how autism can overwhelm the senses of people who suffer it.
Does Hollywood “ratchet” down the noise for SFF or is Sensory Friendly Films it’s own outfit making the changes to the film themselves and with Hollywood’s blessing?
That’s a good question … I’ll check with my source
Here’s the answer:
Sure, AMC theaters turn down the volume. All of these changes – turning up the lights, lowering the sound – are easy and cost nothing, but we’ve found they have made a big difference for those who attend the screenings.
Thank you. Great information.
I really enjoyed reading this! I have students with Autism, too bad there aren’t AMC theaters in my area. Hopefully though, if more and more people find out about SFS they will expand. I have a son with epilepsy, I suspect these films would would be a great alternative people with that condition as well. Thanks!
Take a look at this extensive directory of sensory friendly film screenings
http://www.sharonscreativecorner.com/sensory-friendly-films-directory/