Where to Find Sensory Friendly Movie Theaters
A few years ago my family tried to watch Ant-Man together and it was a disaster. We hadn’t taken our Autistic son to the movies in such a long time that we didn’t realize he wouldn’t like them anymore. (He is seven now, and his last movie visit was when he was still a toddler.)
We left the theater for a quick drink refill, and upon walking back in he started covering his ears. Next, he refused to go back to our seats. I tried to distract him with popcorn but my teenagers had already polished it off without telling me — we spent the rest of the evening in the lobby waiting for our big kids to finish the film.
While we waited things got even worse as the theater attendant started setting up new movie lines. These new lines were blocking us into the bench we were sitting on and my son started screaming frantically. Another attendant noticed what was going on and asked if he had sensory overload in the movie. After I told her about his difficulties in the theater she asked her employer to provide us with “Re-Admit” tickets. These tickets are good for any show, and can be used at any time. They also told us that they are now offering “Sensory Friendly” show times. Sensory friendly movies are shown with the lights still partly on and the volume turned down to a more manageable level. Outburst are also permitted — you are not required to remove your child from the theater if one occurs. I thought this was such a great thing that I had to share them with you. Have you attended a sensory friendly showing before? Check out these great theaters that offer sensory friendly events for Autistic viewers and those with SPD:
AMC Sensory Friendly Films Theater List
Sensory Friendly Films Theater List via the Autism Society
Want to see a movie with your child in the theater? If you aren’t sure about your local theater, call and ask. If they don’t offer Sensory Friendly Films, bond together with your local SPD and/or Autism Support Group to coordinate a showing. Offering enough pre-sale tickets for a private showing will allow you to make the request for lower volume and more lighting easier.
NOTE: Many theaters also have headphones available for those with hearing difficulties but they don’t advertise it. Try the headphones and see if that works too!
When was the last time your family watched a movie in the theater?
Wow..I had no idea I’ll definitely find out about our local theaters so we can bring my grandson
Great movie theatre
It was nice of them to do that even though you were watching an adult movie.
Yes, they were very sweet. Although, I must say, while Ant-Man is PG-13, I’m not sure I consider it an “adult” movie. Most of your Marvel films are rated for teens, but many little boys love them anyway.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment.
Best,
Victoria
Wow that’s amazing a theater would do that. Acceptance for autistic children is come a long way. I have two nephews and a nice with autism.
This is wonderful that movie theaters are adopting to children who have autism. This is close and dear to my heart as I have a mild form of autism and I have a friend whose son was just diagnosed with autism.
Wow, this is Great News. My 3 year old son, who has just recently been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and high intellect Autism really wants to go see the new Disney Pixar Cars 3 movie, which would be his very first time seeing a movie at the theater. So, to be able to find a movie theater to fits his particular Sensory needs would be absolutely wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing!
I so adore that they’ve done this, it’s a great thing for my grandson
We have never been to a theater to watch a movie 🙁
I haven’t taken my children to see a movie in the theater yet. My 5 year old daughter does have some sensory issues and anxiety, and my younger daughter will be 3 years old next month and probably won’t sit the entire time. It’s good to know that sensory options and even headphones are availble. I love when businesses adapt and try to understand kids who need it.
Our local theater has sensory friendly movies often.
Well done! They handled this beautifully. Love it. Our kids are now 14 and 16. When my little was younger she really had a hard time at movies. I kept trying but we watched many from back of the theatre and it was not always successful. Glad to hear that theatres are doing things better for kids with autism and sensory processing disorder.
Last time we went was a year ago. There are so many new changes to theatres here, lots of new ones
They should have signs up for warnings to help kids with autism.