As families affected by autism well know, the simplest family entertainment is often out of reach. Movie theatres can be a particular challenge due to autism often coming with sensory challenges such as hypersensitivity to light or sound. Also children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.
The auditoriums in the Sensory Friendly Films program have their lights up, the sound turned down – and the audience is invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! For these screenings, AMC’s usual “Silence is Golden” policy is not enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Families are able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks – and neither previews nor advertisements are shown before the movie.
This program started two years ago now – and has 132 participating theatres throughout the USA. Here is a full list of participating theatres: AMC Entertainment Sensory Friendly Films