A real family friendly movie!

For a child that has severe autism the world can be a scary place. Imagine what it would be like trying to go to the movies. A strange place with new sights and smells. Darkness followed by the loud movie soundtrack. Even if the child isn't bothered by those things, and they enjoy the movie, excitement and happiness is often expressed by loud laughter, screams, jumping around or flapping hand movements. That generally doesn't make for a fun family movie visit.

Now, thanks to AMC movie theatres that has changed, according to this article at Time.com. In 2007Marianne Ross of Elkridge, MD, was asked to leave a movie theatre because her daughter displayed symptoms similar to those mentioned above. Not satisfied with believe that her child would not be able to enjoy a movie theater experience, Mrs. Ross contacted the manager of her local AMC theatre. Dan Harris (the manager) took the time to speak to Mrs. Ross and meet her daughter. Once he knew the situation he was willing to try an experiment. He offered a unique "Sensory Friendly" viewing of a movie to see how things would turn out. Marianne Spread word through her Autism support group and they filled the 300 seat theatre to capacity. Ross and Harris tried this several more times, each with the same results. Mr. Harris decided to contact the public relations department of the AMC corporate headquarters. Again, the "experiment" was conducted and was a success.

So, now in major cities (see here for a map of participating theaters) on April 10, 2010, thousands of children with Autism will be able to view a special screening of "How to Train Your Dragon" in a "Sensory Friendly" setting. This means that the movie will start promptly on time (10:00 AM) with no previews, the lights will be dim but on, and the sound will be turned down. If the children need to get up and walk around or move, it will be just fine. Finally, any families with special dietary needs will be able to bring snacks in from home. These are HUGE things in the world of Autism. As explained above, the darkness can be frightening and so can the loud noises. Some children with Autism can become agitated if things don't happen in a specific way, thus the starting promptly on time. And a large number of families living with a loved one that has an Autism Spectrum Disorder, are now eating foods that are gluten and casein (a protein found in milk) free. That eliminates a majority of theatre fare. But now, the kids with special diets can enjoy their "safe" snacks along with the other movie-goers.

April is Autism Awareness month, and with the estimates of every 1 in 110 children in America have some form of Autism, the "Sensory-Friendly" movies couldn't come at a better time.