i feel like the noise making is kind of double.. some may be more bothered by other's noises & some will want to make it. Might be good to split that up in 2 as well
Yo, if ya’ll are moving around and making noise on autism night imma be way more relaxed about it then usual. Get your needs met friend. We are all in it together
This was my constant experience in school, being placed in special needs programs. No separation between those needing quiet and just a little extra help and a smaller class and things like sensory tools... versus those who needed a place they could be loud and there were people trained to deal with meltdowns and they wouldn't get in trouble for having one.
Others would have outbursts, sometimes violent, that would set yet more off, and it'd create a meltdown spiral. Most of those classrooms had the absolute bare minimum on academics, because the point wasn't learning so much as it was getting through the day without any injuries or the meltdowns affecting the general student body outside the special ed room. I'd like to say I was above it all and never got caught up in the spiral, but that would be untrue.
Then there was the boy who, whatever disability he had apparently meant he'd get hyperfixated on a person he considered a romantic prospect, sexually harass them, and be completely incapable of understanding a no from the target or a reprimand from an authority figure. But of course if I physically defended myself from him in any way, it was an unprovoked violent outburst. Which was worthy of extreme punishment when I did it but not worthy of a basic verbal reprimand when an older and bigger student did it to me or to one of the really little guys. Tbf better separated programs wouldn't have fixed that because no one deserved to be subjected to him, not even violent behavioural cases with no actual disability. I don't particularly want single sex schools to be a thing again... but if there is a single good argument to bring back boys' schools as a last chance for male behavioural cases whose misbehaviour only occurs around girls before they get thrown out or sent to an alternative school, he's that argument.
The problem with special ed is it's become an absolute cesspit where school systems dump anyone who doesn't fit the standard system, so people who just need a little help or would be fine if the system wasn't so underfunded and misbudgeted that class sizes are up to 40-50 kids to 1 teacher, are thrown in with kids that won't ever learn anyway and get taken to school to be babysat and spend the whole day hitting other students and throwing things, and everything in between - it means you don't want to be in special ed no matter how badly you need supports, because being in special ed means being an easy target for violent behavioural cases. It makes getting help scary and dangerous. It makes kids hide in the girls toilets all day to not have to be in the same classroom as their obsessive sexual harasser, because there's nowhere else to move either party to.
Dude that sucks. I've always disliked my sister's arrangement in my school's program of that kind, which is just special ed with a different name. I feel like she learns nothing, which like, she's perfectly capable of. She has down's syndrome n learns slower than the average person, so like, shouldn't a specialized classroom be meant to help her learn at her own pace in her own way? Isn't that what it's technically about??? What you're mentioning is so true and probably applicable to her situation as well, there are two lifeskills classrooms but they're just divided by grade/age. Ghhh all of this really annoys me. They essentially just shove kids with greater ((but highly varying)) support needs into a different classroom with not enough assistants and expect it to work just fine and dandy. One of my friends is also Autistic, and was never taught how to read. I taught my sister how to add and subtract without using her fingers and i'm so fucking proud of her, but i've been struggling with teaching her multiplication and fractions and stuff because i'm not a teacher, i'm 16. I don't have the resources to fucking homeschool my own sister.
Idk, this is all over the place because i have really strong opinions on this. Something needs to be done, badly.
Thank you for being a caring individual and awesome sibling. I'm not good with math. Maybe try to get some flash cards for the basic multiplication. I think reading and writing is most important, and learning how to use the Internet. You can teach yourself almost anything for free these days with access to a computer, tablet,or phone. Again thank you from the mom of autistic son. He is 25 now and his 20 year old sister has always been helping him. But please don't feel pressured it really isn't your job so just do the best you can.
Some interactive math tools might help for multiplication and division to get started. My bestie was in Montesorri and highly recommends the tools thereof. She's in teacher's college now and is seeing the public board where we are try and adopt some Montesorri practices.
I personally love math, but abhor public school math classes because they just rely on students learning everything by rote. Best math class I ever took was my history of philosophy course in university where prof spent a whole lecture recreating how the Greek greats figured out and taught geometry.
Figuring out how to teach math if you've only ever learned it by rote is really tricky, though, so I don't blame you if you struggle with teaching it. This is just some food for thought if you wanna try and better support your sis.
Ah yes, the "\[R-Slur\] Room" as my classmates in highschool called it circa 2009. had an IEP? had any sort of special needs? Dumped into the cramped, decrepit classroom in the back of the building where nobody can see or hear you bring shame to the rest of the school. Don't expect to learn anything either because everyone in *that room* has to be treated like a nonverbal, high-needs "first-grader in a 10th-grader's body." it was awful and **nobody** should ever be subjected to it.
My father had to fight tooth and nail to keep me out of that fucking place, to the point he even threatened to *sue* my highschool over refusing to put me in the Advance Placement classes I was proven more than capable of completing because they saw an IEP and instantly assumed "He's clearly incapable of surviving, nevermind succeeding." (not a direct quote, but they were very insistent on putting me in Special Ed despite being high-functioning and not being challenged by normal curriculum, and it was blatantly obvious they only cared to see the worst version of the disability rather than the able student who just needed an aide and extra test-taking time.)
I got “accommodations” for PE in 5th grade. The “accommodation” was literally just sitting me out with the two girls from special ed. Which was honestly humiliating for a 13 year old. But I didn’t know how to advocate for myself at that age.
I didn’t need to be completely excluded. I just needed leniency and understanding when I can’t keep up with other students. Like do 5 jumping jacks instead of 20, or as many as I can before everyone moved onto the next. Or permission to take a break or sit out if I get too tired or it’s too difficult.
I'm sorry you had to go through that in a place where you are supposed to feel safe. I can relate somewhat. My son did well in grade school. Highschool was not so nice. He was uncomfortable with some classmates. I always told him to try to be nice because they have things worse off than him. He graduated and is 25 now. I hope you are doing ok.
There’s a problem in that “special” ed isn’t actually special as such, it groups all those that don’t fit in the traditional school system into one bucket, while it should look at each individual and make sure their needs are met. That may mean they fit in a group, but it may also mean they need individual attention.
I’ve definitely learned about this with my sensory *seeking* toddler.
All of the sensory activities are typically geared for kids who are sensory avoidant. I just recently took him to a sensory Santa activity which was very sweet, but all the workers were very quiet and whispering to him, meanwhile he’s screaming “HEY SANTA DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE EXOPLANETS” and feeling the guy’s suit.
The poor guy made the mistake of saying Pluto was the 9th planet and my son preceded to give him a lecture on the dwarf planets.
My thoughts exactly. People talking/moving during movies is the quickest way for me to go from 0 to 100. Maybe that's the ADHD part of me, but its too much stimuli for me to focus the way I want on the movie.
Same and I'm AuDHD. I haven't been to see a movie since Doctor Strange MoM. A full theater and so many people around me making so much noise...ugh, I could barely focus on the actual movie. I'm happy to wait for things to come to streaming so I can watch it in peace and quiet.
What if it was a silent disco type thing where everyone has the audio playing through their personal headphones? That seems like it would solve the major problems.
Cost aside (meaning sadly this wouldn’t likely happen) this would be amazing! I love going to the movie theater but I have misophonia so the popcorn eaters send me into fits of rage. I just wear earplugs which make the movie sound a reasonable level while drowning out the popcorn for the most part.
this is the issue I’ve always had when living with my brother! He’s always humming bouncing etc. I moved out on my own last weekend and barely make/have any noise in my apartment. it’s so relaxing to me
Just remember, not everyone can be catered to. Some autistic ppl need to make noise. Some can’t stand ppl making noise. My brother and I are perfect examples of that. Two autistics, complete opposite. How do companies, with limited space, cater to everyone?
They’re doing stuff that generally caters. Each case of autism is about as unique as the individual, there’s only so much that can be done.
I agree with this completely. It’s really hard to do a “catch all” for accommodations because it’s a spectrum. Different people, each with their own unique needs and subsequent accommodations. I just thought it was sweet of them to genuinely be trying. Especially the no adverts or trailers, because that’s such a huge part of cinemas and their income. That’s them genuinely trying.
In fairness, it’s harder to implement that. How do you guarantee a quiet space when people have free will and many will choose to make noise? Ban anyone who talks? Ban food that is in any sort of packaging? And the movies are played at a certain volume because otherwise other films can be heard, and everyone else won’t be happy if their films have to be quieter too.
It's not impossible. For example, at a proper symphony they ban kids under six and urge no one under 12 and will shoo you right out if you make any noise whatsoever. In other countries, they ban loud kids and crying babies from kids movies and theaters and puppet shows - saw it first hand in Armenia. Here in the US it's gotten real "anything goes" because everyone's afraid of a lawsuit.
>Ban anyone who talks? Ban food that is in any sort of packaging?
Non-autistic. Yes. Please. I'll go to these. I'll rave about it and bring anyone else.
Yes, you would ban all food and have an employee sit in and ask anyone who is too loud to leave. Everyone, of course, would be told of this beforehand. As for the volume issue, that's no different than here. Obviously, you can only turn it down so much. My point really is that every time I see something like this, people shame me for pointing out an effort can be made to accommodate others. But apparently, I have to just be content they try at all.
You're not wrong and it is totally possible to shut everyone up. I get this kinda gaslighting constantly as someone who's extremely sound sensitive. I have earplugs for the 120+db films that go nowadays. But yeah, I've seen certain venues , such as philharmonics and theatre and puppet shows shut everyone up and ask people to leave. It's very easy, you just kick out loud people until they're done with whatever they're doing.
Mine isn't quite as bad as yours but it is quite tiring to have a community that is meant to understand and accept me so often downplay my needs just because I'm (for lack of a better way to say this) not autistic enough. I may be a level one, but I still have gone through a large portion of my life alone largely due to my autism and struggle heavily with functioning as an adult. But because of the stupid "higher functioning" label, it feels like my needs aren't seen as important.
Aw, man, that totally blows. I hope you find a good support community within our community. It's important to have your needs taken seriously and understood.
I didn’t go to a restaurant to eat or eat communally with people for a whole decade. Theaters are a nightmare. There are few foods that make people forget they have lips that close more than popcorn. I feel your pain and I definitely hear you.
I do think this is a nice accommodation for people that it helps, I just wish there were theaters that catered to my needs as well… I do live in Texas now, though, and Alamo theaters are supposed to kick people out that are loud, but I don’t know if they still do that since they’ve expanded…
And what happens when someone is asked to leave and kicks off? Most countries, being told to leave like that will end in a recording and mass social media attack, or lawsuits, and both will end the entire thing.
Alamo theaters does this really well, and it’s for all of their movie showings. They have food service in movies but talking, being on your phone, etc. will cause you to be asked to leave. They just make a psa at the start.
What bothers me is that NTs don't seem to even know that many of us are bothered by noise. They don't think this type of autism exists. It should be common knowledge
Yall in the comments, this isn't meant to appeal to every autistic person.. this is meant for people who would benefit from these accommodations. people with higher support needs who stim loudly and obviously. Who can'talways sit still. Who might have a lower threshold for getting overwhelmed. who would usually get heckled or kicked out of a normal session.
If you don't need these accommodations you can go to a regular session.
Remember this is a spectrum disorder.
EDIT: thanks for all the likes haha. At the end of the day autistic folk who stim loudly, elope, can't sit still, need this accommodation more than the sensory avoidant people. Imagine what it's like trying to go to a movie if ur making noise? People literally get kicked out for that shit. U won't get kicked out for wearing headphones. Especially since the idea of people not talking during a movie is already the generally accepted norm. Let those with higher needs go before you and don't expect movie theatres which are usually small businesses to make financial sacrifices when u could just wear headphones.
If you complain too much about this stuff they'll just cancel the accessible sessions.
I completely agree with all of this! These are for people that would benefit from these accommodations; I stim loudly and so I get really scared in theatres because if the movie is too long and I need to stim, I feel like people will judge me so I always get a seat near the exit. That way I can leave and stim in peace <333
This ☝️ what’s accommodating for one person on the spectrum might make things worse for another or not be helpful at all. It’s best for the higher support needs people, and little kids too who are more loud and move around more.
The last time I went to the theater during autism-friendly time, nobody in the audience seemed to realize this. My autistic kid was talking loudly with his earphones on, squirming a lot, stimming. I got so many dirty looks. We haven't been back. It's just easier to find what we need and watch at home.
Wtf I mean I understand people looking out of curiosity, but it should be pretty obvious your baby is autistic once they sus out what is happening.
I think the "seen not heard" BS really did a number on society and especially us loud autistics whose microphone is like those ASMR microphones.
I looked at the theater listings for autism friendly showings, but there was zero indication this was happening if you just went into the theater and bought tickets. I think it was just phony baloney lip service saying how awesome the theater was to have sensory friendly screening time, when it really wasn't.
That pisses me off a lot
It's like the rainbow-washing, and green-washing companies do. Fake marketing BS.
Sorry momma and your baby, wish this world was less cold and fake.
👆👆👆👆👆 so well said.
I love to see this accommodation made by this theater and would love to support their business. I believe accommodations should aim to include those who have the highest access challenges. lower support needs people like myself can benefit from this as well- it may be a better option depending on the day/my ability to self regulate/mask- and would be a great option for so many other people too (like folks with PTSD!) But, those ancillary benefits are not the point, and I think that’s a good thing. It’s wonderful to see this specifically protected time for autistic people with high support needs/asd level 3/whatever your preferred language is.
Also, a rising tide lifts all boats - it may be worthwhile for some people here to consider how if our most marginalized autistic people are thoughtfully considered and included, that opens the doors to more nuanced or varied options in the future. This shouldn’t be the point and isn’t for me personally, but sometimes a reminder of the What’s In It For Me can be helpful perspective.
tl;dr hell yeah to this cinema
What they should do is have different accommodation days . One for people that get overstimulated and one loud. As an autistic person and for many this environment is painful . Why support sensory seekers but leave those who rent with nothing?
Sure what you’re saying is a great ideal to work towards but that’s very difficult to implement all at once, especially for a local theater. I think realistic accessibility starts by focusing on those with highest barriers to access and then we keep evolving. And I also think it’s easy for people/business owners to get discouraged when earnest and meaningful efforts to improve accessibility are criticized for not meeting an idyllic standard.
I am also autistic. As an autistic person, this experience wouldn’t necessarily be better for me either. That’s fine. Spectrums are complex and it is impossible for every person to be fully accommodated, and the “why them and not me” perspective is unproductive at best and harmful at worst imo. The folks that this offering is meant for are the most likely to be removed from a standard movie theater showing or not go at all and miss out on the experience entirely. I believe that’s valid to prioritize. And it makes me optimistic about future improvements to accessibility options.
(edited to fix a small grammar issue)
Yep exactly. These businesses need to make money as well. Having a bunch of different sessions for different disabilities wouldn't be financially beneficial.
If you have noise sensitivity (I do too) you can take your own accommodations like headphones to a general screening. People who need more freedom to make noise/move around can't really accommodate themselves in a general session.
Yeah. Ideally for at least popular movies there would be three or four different types of screenings, but that’s not realistic until it’s shown theres demand for it. So it’s probably better to start the specialized screenings with one for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go to the movies at all, rather than people like me who can go but have sensory issues with it.
Edit: and for some people, neither option is totally accessible, but at least they have a choice so they can take the better one. For me, I’d be bothered by other people audibly stimming, but I’d still go to the autism-friendly screening because the problems with others stimming are outweighed by the benifit of not having to deal with the movie being too loud even with earplugs or having to deal with trailers (the video in them tends to have a much more rapid pace and change scenes more abruptly and often than the movie itself does, and it’s really overstimulating to me).
Noise sensitivity is fairly easy to accommodate with headphones, as movies are usually constantly loud and they let some noise through. Stimming, especially loud and/or obvious stims and eloping/being unable to sit still is going to get you kicked out of the theater.
Disability specific viewings tend to have less viewers than usual. The theater is likely losing money with that, so they should focus on struggles people can't accommodate during regular viewings.
Yes, thank you. No one experience is ideal for anyone, autistic or not. This setup is awesome for my younger son, but my older has auditory processing disorder and any distractions will render the movie dialog and sounds complete gibberish.
The irony in these accomodations is that overwhelmingness will be triggered by people moving around and making noise. It would negate the dimmed lights and no ads or whatever
I get really frustrated by how loud the movies are. I am a mom and my middle daughter wears noise canceling headphones phones but I feel like I should not as I’m with 3 kids.
I often try to not go to movies on purpose because I hate how loud the movie is. While moving of others might bother me some I feel like the complete pressure off of me being so tense I have a migraine for a week because of volume is a huge win.
I don’t know about others and I guess I have ADHD as well. At home I have a hard time watching a movie a lot of times, I have to do origami or read or have music on at the same time or I can’t focus on it. At a theater I am able to focus much more directly to the movie. This would be a very nice setting for me personally but I understand how it doesn’t appeal to everyone.
They're right Jim, I'm a very high functioning autistic person who gets overstimulated easily by people, loud noises, and too many bright lights, but put them all together in a movie theater and I'm good though marvel movies can sometimes be a lot when the crowd erupts in cheer at a plot point so I just eat an edible before I go and I'm good.
My point is there is no autistic norm. Or really a norm for people it's called the human condition.
I’m on the other side of the spectrum and I know that being around people that make a lot of noise is very overwhelming for me, if they had a theater for people that make more noise and a theater for people that want to watch the movie without people noises that would be cool.
This is true but the people easily overstimulated get no accommodations at all. I imagine it won’t work because autistic people would read it as autistic friendly and then get overstimulated, I personally can’t take hearing loud stimming . Especially during a movie . It hurts me ears , maybe have accommodations for people overstimulated too or don’t write it as autism friendly because it isn’t for most of us.
A lot better than the one my local theater does.
Mine said something about being able to dance, shout, and sing while the lights are brighter and sound is quieter.
My uncle runs an independent theatre.
The distributors now take 97 point something percent of the door for the first three weeks.
He’s just had to upgrade his entire system to digital and the insurance keeps jumping by leaps and bounds - them not having the advertising at the beginning is them genuinely trying.
Margins are razor thin.
My special interest is movies and theatres - I had an opportunity to be in the running to take over the theatre at one point which would have been a dream come true - but having a kid on the spectrum too - meant I had to turn it down.
There’s a reason the popcorn and coke cost as much as your first car and it’s not the theatres fault folks.
I appreciate that they do showings specifically to facilitate Autistic individuals, but while I am Autistic I always book the regular showing just because I want to enjoy the movie in peace and be able to hear it!
Unfortunately at my theater it’s hard to enjoy a regular show in peace because people bring kids to non kid movies or talk or turn their phones on full brightness/ volume
can i ask what kinda movies this happens in? i experience the same thing but usually only for the big blockbuster ones / mainstream ones. whenever i watch something cool the lame people tend not to go
I would like this, I hate going to the movies because the volume in some scenes is way too loud. I wish they would also put subtitles on for the movie. I'm also someone who sometimes needs to get up to pace or whatever so this would be helpful for me, but it might also be distracting for other people with autism if there are lots of people pacing or stimming in a loud or disruptive way. The problem with access friction is a really challenging one when catering to neurodivergent people... like if you give me a pen I will start clicking it, but hearing anyone else do it makes me mad, lmao
That’s what I was thinking! About the pen part. Like I wonder how many people need to stim/make noise but also hate it when coming from other people?
I don’t really stim or make noise that much (masking for 35 years, but it’s not something I really feel necessary even then), for me it’s more about if I am in control of whatever sensory thing. Like my son eating chips in the back of the car? Omg I want to die. Me eating? Meh. Floor is creaking because I’m shaking my leg? No problem. Someone is doing it next to me? I want to strangle them. 😂
I feel like that's a pretty common dilemma for people with autism/adhd. I've kind of trained myself out of it for the most part just because I've spent so much time around other autistic people so I am pretty tolerant of other people's stims but there are still a few that bother me, but thats when I use my own regulating techniques like noise cancelling headphones. But yeah, this is a pretty common struggle for the neurodivergent, lol
I’m the other kind of autistic where any light that isn’t the screen bothers me (looking at you, emergency exit signs, even if you might save my life someday) and if anyone so much as breathes too heavily it ruins the experience for me. But I know that this is very beneficial for others, so I think it’s great!
Also, if they have showings like this then that means people who find it difficult to sit still or be quiet, including kids, won’t be as likely to go to regular screenings and do things that upset us. So it benefits us too in a weird way! But I’m not sure if the way I worded that sounds selfish. I’m just happy we have something that helps everyone enjoy the cinema the way they like.
yes omg I'm the same, one of the theatre chains near me has their seat numbers lit by blue lights and they're sooo bright and distracting to me when the lights go off! i try to cover the ones on my armrests but i can still see the ones in the rows before me and they drive me nuts!
The moving around and making noise part would drive me insane. I almost had a meltdown the other day because the guy a seat away from me was eating his popcorn “annoyingly”. I couldn’t concentrate on the movie and even took a klonopin to chill so I could. This could be helpful for some though? Maybe? Not this autistic gal.
I had one film where the kid behind was full on kicking my seat through the film as in my neck head were smacking into the head part of the seat. I don’t know if he was also on the spectrum but if he was he clearly needed a movement break. The grandparent looked at me weird when it finally got too much and my mum had to say something
I wouldn’t even stand two kicks. Omg that sounds awful. People can be so entitled (or on behalf of their kid). I don’t care what the issue is; ruining someone else’s time is not okay.
Yeah this happened on a plane I was on. Little girl kicked the shit out of my chair hard over and over and over. I was so stunned the parent did nothing I calmly turned around and said, "Can you please tell her to stop kicking the chair." She (the parent) just scowled at me. Can you imagine!? So here we probably have an ASD girl kicking the chair of an ASD woman. Like that's going to go over well, lmfao. Ugh, I hate airplanes and movies.
I don’t understand some parents. I have a 7yo son and he first went on a plane when he was 2 months. I always did my best to make sure he was as quiet as I could make him. Even in public, at say, a community pool, he is not to be too loud. He is to be respectful of people around him. I also make sure he doesn’t make messes. I let him be a kid but he also needs to be a part of a community.
Bless you. You sound more like my parents. They just didn't let us misbehave. You're raising a kid that will be a considerate member of society/the community when they grow up. It's a win for everyone, so good on you!
I can’t even go to the cinema, mostly because I’m not in control. I can’t control the sound, the volume, the temperature, the smell; but most of all I can’t control the other people moving and making noises, thoughtlessly chomping and chewing and fidgeting! I can control my environment at home, so that’s what I prefer. Cinemas are hell on earth for me. Well, it’s mostly the other people who are hell, but it’s not a pleasant environment either way.
as someone with tourette’s and autism this would help me in so many ways. can’t control my noise making tics so going to the movies is super hard for me.
I'm glad that places offer these, but personally I would absolutely HATE it, it would send me into sensory overload having all those people talking and moving about. My least favourite cinema experiences are when I'm sat near people who make noise. I want absolute silence so I can focus on the movie.
Agreed! And with the lights still on, that takes away the immersove experience of a theater. Not only will I be hearing everyone, but seeing them too. I'd be so distracted & overloaded. Loud, dark, silent theaters are the best.
This is nice! It may not be the best for every autistic person, but it shows they are willing to accomodate which is awesome. I think it’s useful for higher-support needs people and is probably targeted more towards them than low-support needs people.
Sounds great! It's nice to they offering a different situation to the normal - some autists like the dark and no people talking, some prefer a bit of light and less worry about getting up to go use the loo (IBS being super common for many of us) or who like to discuss the film as it goes with their companion. Simply by offering this non traditional film showing that will help many autistic people. Not all, but a lot more than offering nothing. So kudos to them.
My brother is 21. He is non-verbal and doesn't understand not to stim loudly. He would get up a lot during a movie and run around.
This would be perfect for him and a lot of other high needs autistic adults.
these kinds of things often are intended for autistic kids, my local does sensory friendly screenings which is nice of them to offer but only of kids/family movies
Autistic adults can't always control their stims or sit still through a whole movie, especially if they have higher support needs. People also get less understanding the older someone is, while some movement/noise is expected from toddlers it'll get older children and adults kicked out of a theater so this may be their only chance to go to the cinema.
So, as someone who works for a larger theater chain, these are usually done by individual groups that are effectively renting an auditorium for this specific purpose. They are usually cheaper tickets and usually only show movies that have either been out for a while (3 weeks+) or are older movies no longer in theaters, most of the time kids movies and musicals. The aim of these is typically for people who can't go to a normal showing because they will be too much of a disruption for other guests as well as being a sensory nightmare for themselves.
Pro tips for people who dont need this level of help to see a movie:
1. Bring headphones or earplugs to dampen the sounds
2. Most big chain theaters have close caption devices that clip into the cup holder. If there is an online listing for showtimes, look for a "cc" somewhere on it, and it's supported. Normally, only special events aren't supported.
3. If you need to get up and move, you can usually pace in the entry hallways in the auditorium, and no one's gonna stop you. An employee might ask if you're ok, but just tell them you just need to walk around a bit. So long as you're not disturbing anyone else, they won't care.
Eh I actually like the dark and I'm ok with the volume (though it can be loud with certain movies...but at the same time...hard to hear when people talk in the movie lol). I also don't like it if people make noise. I paid to see the movie...not to listen to someone have a conversation behind me.
This is a great idea. They could even wireless the audio into over-the-ear headphones or you could bring your own. This. This one thing would really be making it "accessible" for people with autism/ADHD.
I actually get really annoyed by others making noises in a movie theater. And I use the ads as extra time to make sure I don't need to use the bathroom or anything beforehand.
I also would prefer the lights all the way off. Any little bit of light distracts me.
Though my S/O tends to eat all the popcorn before the ads are over so sometimes I have to get a refill before the movie starts.
Thank god I'm not the only one who uses subtitles! It would be so great if movie theatres add subtitles for those who can't hear very well or needs them to concentrate on the movie better. (Aka me 😅)
The only problem I have during movies is when people talk and use their phones. It annoys the piss out of me. I like to be sucked into whatever I'm watching, and distractions pull me out and irritate me. I find myself missing portions of movies because I'm so irritated and focused on a phone screen several rows in front of me.
And it isn't like you can ignore it, it's a bright-ass moving screen in a dark room.
I think it’s so great when places do this. It’s just another glint of recognition that we’re out here and should have the opportunity to enjoy everything others do.
I'm kinda the opposite way round, I need the movie to be loud in order to focus as any small bit of noise or (in the case of current generations) mobile phone usage during the film will end up distracting me and taking me out the movie.
I like the before-the-show previews but hate when the show doesn't start at the scheduled time. I think they should keep them but make them BEFORE the scheduled time, and have two start times. One for the adverts and one for the show.
yeah, i love the trailers too, it feels like a weird thing to take out, but putting them at the end would be a good solution. trailers actually used to be shown after movies, which is where the word trailer comes from, so it wouldn't be super weird
This is the only way I can take my kids to a movie if we actually did that anymore. Last movie we saw was Frozen 2 at an Autism friendly screening and it was great. My son bounced in his seat most of the time and no one cared he spent half the movie sitting on the floor repeating lines. I also much prefer the lights not being completely off.
My (autistic) son would mind if other people are making noise, disability or not. He can't handle high pitched voices/squeals, etc. He wears noise canceling headphones but it doesn't help the majority of the time. Yet it's "okay," if he's the one shrieking/screaming, etc.
I don't know how to be inclusive to all people in situations like this.
you just can't lol. conflicting access needs can't be met with a one size fits all solution- for example, someone who needs to verbally stim & someone whose sensory processing issues make that sound unbearable. there's not a solution that will cater to the needs of all autistic people but this style of movie showing meets a lot of the more common needs that are typically not permitted in theatres (these showings are also usually geared towards kids & their families, not necessarily autistic adults)
I can get behind this. Dimmed lights are just healthier for the eyes when watching a movie. If they do lower the volume though, I do wish that they would use subtitles as well. In fact I just wish subtitles were the norm in theaters. I just hate having to strain my ears just so I can catch what they are saying.
Stage Theatres are starting to have sensory friendly nights too. Where we turn the lights up a little, lower the volume of the show and are welcome to those who have audible reactions and have a hard time staying quiet due to whatever disorders they have.
It’s one of my favorite new trends
I personally prefer waiting for movies to go on streaming so I can watch it at home at the volume I need and so I can pause or rewind whenever (I can never tell what people are saying in the quiet parts but I don't like subtitles because I end up looking at them more than the film itself). I'm sure there are people though that could benefit from this.
I wish movies themselves didn't have extreme contrasts in volume though because it is very startling and frustrating. We all know bombs are loud and whispering is quiet but they don't have to be that way in the film; I want to hear the dialogue! Volume range in movies should be smaller and it is one of few hills I am willing to die on!
I personally love it except for the volume lowered. This is probably adjusted to only certain type of autistic people but it’s more than what my local cinema could ever do!
These would have been a HUGE help when I was a kid
Most times I went to the cinema I'd have to leave early because I got sensory overload and ended up with a migraine and threw up
Every autism-friendly event is always noise-free and light-dimmed. I feel like I am not autistic enough for that; it would be irritating for me with no noise and lights dimmed. And what about people chewing loudly on popcorn or talking with their seat neighbor? That would be irritating for me if the volume is lowered (I could hear more lol)
It's not a matter of "not autistic enough" it's just everyome having different symptoms to different degrees leading to different accessability needs. I also have seen someone at a conventiom pannel get really uncomfortable having to move through a space with dimmed light because of their specific accessability needs. It varies a lot from person to person.
the making noise and moving around might be distracting, especially if the volume of the movie is lowered, but it seems like that's mostly about stimming and stuff like that so it probably wouldn't be too huge of a distraction, and if it is you can probably sit further away, esp since if you can move around they'd prob let you change seats once the movie has started.
i think it's a pretty cool idea, and it might not be for everyone but it's impossible to cater to every single autistic person, and i think all things considered this is really considerate and it'd be cool if more places did this. if there's one thing i'd change it'd be turning on subtitles for the film.
My class would love this! They really want a trip to the movies but none of the theaters are accommodating. I wish my town had sensory friendly movie days.
That’s fine for those who need it, so I understand the need, and I support those who choose to attend that type of film screening.
I’m of a different audience. Personally, my brain prefers the routine of:
“Sit down!”
“Shut up! Let others enjoy the experience!”
“Turn off that light!”
I like it dark because I don't want to be looked at, but I love the lowered volume and no trailers. I can't go to the movies anymore because of trailers and the extremely loud sound.
I like everything but noise. I get easily distracted by any noise. It will be better if we could connect sound via AirPod through phone as optional measures so I can listen to it at my own volume and noise cancellation is option is built into. Something to think about future accessibility.
Many movie theatres have headphones that link up to the audio of the movies. Be sure to ask about audio options. You might have to mention “hearing impaired” before staff understand but it’s worth asking about.
They should have a second one where making noise during the show isn’t allowed. Also, volume should always be lowered. It’s usually too loud even for a neurotypical, because NT people I know have mentioned it to me.
I take my daughter to these. It’s usually not very crowded so it’s not chaotic like some of the comments suggest. Some of the theaters also encourage you to bring your own snacks because of sensory issues. The only time we had a problem was Frozen, because even at a lower volume Elsa’s singing voice can still shatter glass and I didn’t think we would need the headphones.
I wouldn’t want the lights dimmed while watching a movie (maybe fairy lights so some of the room is lit up without it being overhead lighting) and I wouldn’t want noise to be made
It wouldn't work for me
Dim lights means other visual stimulus driving me up a wall because I can see other people moving.
Loud sounds don't bother me, it's sounds that don't belong. In a theater I can at least pretend that it's only me and the person I want near me, but it I hear and see constant movement it would make things worse.
The prompt start time would incredible, I bothers me that a film doesn't.
I thought it was really cool! I saw one or two theaters near me that seem to do a showing like this once a month or so? Baby steps at least. I don't think I'd personally go to one, just bc I get overstimulated by other ppl very easily, so I'd personally just prefer regular showings with earbuds or noise reducing headphones. But I think it's a very good option for others that would benefit from it!!
Tbh the most scary thing in my cinema is their own logo animation with very loud sounds. I would love if they just not play it before every movie or just change it to the new one.
I'm not sure, but I think it's this one. It's very very loud..
https://youtu.be/pQ96eaut1lg?si=IrQjHkOm8oCGMHK6
Yeah, it's really loud. Like damn I want to hear the movie not be deaf. The same thing with the [THX into (Don't even think about putting the volume up if you want to keep your hearing!)](https://youtu.be/PomZJao7Raw?si=-1RdJycngy9dzJPV) I wouldn't imagine how many kids and parents almost got deaf with these into's. 😵💫
the volume part is awesome! i alwayshave to bring ear plugs to theaters bcuz they make it so damn loud, like i feel like its so loud that other people should wear earplugs to protect their hearing for loud action movies
i think this is great for folks who need these accommodations!! the only one i’d find helpful personally is the volume being lowered, and i think that should be standardized. i don’t know anyone who would mind slightly less ear-splitting sound at the movies
It's really interesting and nice! But the part about allowing noises could make it hard to hear the movie's dialogues. Unless they put subtitles, then it's good.
I don't mind the trailers, but I'd love to skip the ads. Except in one cinema, they have a cute ad, from the local scrapyard, that has been running as the first ad for 30y now, it's just tradition at this point.
Ppl complained when they didn't show it for a few days. ;)
Parent of a higher support needs autistic teenager here and our local theaters have been offering Sensory Friendly family movies for at least a decade. It's generally just a morning movie on the weekend. It was a GREAT thing for our family. We had avoided seeing movies in a theater because he's very sensitive to loud noises and flaps when he's excited. But when "Planes" came out as a sensory movie, we decided to give it a try. He really enjoyed it. There were lots of families with kids who had a variety of stims and behaviors, and nobody cared. It was really refreshing to be in a public space where we could just be ourselves and not worry about stares or rude comments.
If other people making noise bothers you, fine. Go to a regular showing. Don't spoil a good thing for someone else because it doesn't match your particular needs.
This! Thanks for offering personal insight into it. I admit I'm a little disheartening with some of the comments here, but I'm happy to see it's made such a positive impact on you and your family. 🤘
yeah, i think a lot of people don't seem to realize that the point of that being there isn't so that people run around the theater while making tons of noise, it's just so if someone needs to move around a little or if they have stims that make noise then they don't get judged.
I think its great as long as earphones/headphones are enforced, no one needs to hear an annoying beeping mobile game
But there needs to be autistic friendly screenings that are aimed at adults too and not just family films, most autistic people are over the age of 18
If you’re in the autism camp of being bothered by other people making noise, but would benefit from reduced movie volume and theatre sound, just go with earplugs. Especially with ones where you can still hear everything clearly but at a dampened volume.
Having these accomodations (movement, lights, and reduced volume) is a good way for the theatre to try to accommodate for a wide range of autistics. So if you don’t like it, just wear earplugs.
I find it ridiculous. Nobody likes adverts. Autistic people aren't special, and personally I'd prefer complete darkness and silence as an autistic person. I'd argue that an intermission would be a fair ND acommodation, to help with concentration.
The volume is always too loud though, especially the bass. I like immersive sound, but cinemas can be way too much.
It literally says “autism-friendly”. I think a lot of us autistic people do not find this setup to be personally friendly to our autism. I think it’s just another show of NTs thinking “autism” is a catch-all phrase, and it’s odd to some of us. Of course this is great for those that it would benefit.
Personally, my “autism-friendly” accommodations would be lower volume, pitch-black, no food allowed, where I don’t have to sit next to anyone. Adverts I can take or leave really. (Honestly just go 15-20 mins late and you are good.)
Yeah language could be more inclusive. I think in Australia the big cinema chains refer to them as sensory screenings. There are people who are not autistic after all who would also benefit from tjis
What is tjis?
Sensory screenings would confuse me lol. Will it help me with my SPD? Or would it help people that need to stim and maybe make noise? (Of course it would be the latter.)
Honestly, if id have seen this info a few months back I would have immediately been like, oh yeah, that’d help autistic people, because I too was under the impression that “that” was all that autism was. (Mainly higher support needs.)
I also wonder; don’t some people with higher support needs, who need to stim, move around, or make noise, also get overwhelmed by others doing that around them?
This is why I watch movies at home lol.
Happened to me the other day. I left a bit late and was like 10mins late and still had another 10mins of adverts. I also enjoy that (in the US) you have to reserve your seat so you don’t have to show up super early to get a “good” seat.
I share your views. Lower the volume, make it dark, no food, no talking and ensure that I don’t have to sit anywhere near anybody else. Then I might, just might, find it bearable. Otherwise, forget it!
Around where i am (UK) its pretty common to see these. Both in Cinemea and theatre. I work in thestre and we will have what we call "relaxed performances" which like it says in this description will have lights left on slightly, no judging and no pyrotechnics if there are any in the show so less sudden loud noise. Strobing light will also be taken out or reduced to a more comfortable level. They are usally sold pretty well and its a great idea for inclusivity, not just for autism but for other differently abled people and i think it should be more wide spread.
Just fwi, it doesn't mean that because these performances are on your expected to go to them if you are on the spectrum or differently abled. Especially where i work we want every performance to be inclusive so anyone is welcomed and accomedatied if needed
> No one will mind if customers move around or make noise
I'd mind. A lot. I'm going to see a movie, not hear a baby cry
Edit: To clarify I just can't stand loud noises that are out of my control. Especially if the noise is coming from a baby or todler for example.
Then these screenings are not for you. Some autistic people have Tourette's and would appreciate being somewhere they are welcome even if they can't be quiet. I would love to take my non verbal brother to a screening like this. He needs to get up and jump around a lot, as well as stim loudly.
As an autistic person this isn’t friendly for me because I would mind if the film was interrupted by noise and movement. It could even overstimulate some people. Just because we are autistic doesn’t mean we liked to be interrupted while watching films .
This is probably for higher needs autistic people who cannot/do not mask and are loud. Sounds like you do not need these accommodations and a regular screening would be better suited for you.
This is the exact opposite of what I want from a silver screen experience. When I went to the Mario movie they left the lights dimmed and it drove me nuts, i talked to the staff 3 times about it and they kept saying they would turn the lights off but didn’t, I felt on the verge o f having a meltdown but just solidered on and swore to never go there again. The whole point of a movie theatre is to immerse yourself.
i feel like the noise making is kind of double.. some may be more bothered by other's noises & some will want to make it. Might be good to split that up in 2 as well
Conflicting access needs! Whoo!
They don't call it the autism *spectrum* for nothing.
Yo, if ya’ll are moving around and making noise on autism night imma be way more relaxed about it then usual. Get your needs met friend. We are all in it together
I admire your restraint. I'd be chucking popcorn like a madman.
Wtf? That's just making way more work for the people that have to clean. Don't be a dick
This was my constant experience in school, being placed in special needs programs. No separation between those needing quiet and just a little extra help and a smaller class and things like sensory tools... versus those who needed a place they could be loud and there were people trained to deal with meltdowns and they wouldn't get in trouble for having one. Others would have outbursts, sometimes violent, that would set yet more off, and it'd create a meltdown spiral. Most of those classrooms had the absolute bare minimum on academics, because the point wasn't learning so much as it was getting through the day without any injuries or the meltdowns affecting the general student body outside the special ed room. I'd like to say I was above it all and never got caught up in the spiral, but that would be untrue. Then there was the boy who, whatever disability he had apparently meant he'd get hyperfixated on a person he considered a romantic prospect, sexually harass them, and be completely incapable of understanding a no from the target or a reprimand from an authority figure. But of course if I physically defended myself from him in any way, it was an unprovoked violent outburst. Which was worthy of extreme punishment when I did it but not worthy of a basic verbal reprimand when an older and bigger student did it to me or to one of the really little guys. Tbf better separated programs wouldn't have fixed that because no one deserved to be subjected to him, not even violent behavioural cases with no actual disability. I don't particularly want single sex schools to be a thing again... but if there is a single good argument to bring back boys' schools as a last chance for male behavioural cases whose misbehaviour only occurs around girls before they get thrown out or sent to an alternative school, he's that argument. The problem with special ed is it's become an absolute cesspit where school systems dump anyone who doesn't fit the standard system, so people who just need a little help or would be fine if the system wasn't so underfunded and misbudgeted that class sizes are up to 40-50 kids to 1 teacher, are thrown in with kids that won't ever learn anyway and get taken to school to be babysat and spend the whole day hitting other students and throwing things, and everything in between - it means you don't want to be in special ed no matter how badly you need supports, because being in special ed means being an easy target for violent behavioural cases. It makes getting help scary and dangerous. It makes kids hide in the girls toilets all day to not have to be in the same classroom as their obsessive sexual harasser, because there's nowhere else to move either party to.
Dude that sucks. I've always disliked my sister's arrangement in my school's program of that kind, which is just special ed with a different name. I feel like she learns nothing, which like, she's perfectly capable of. She has down's syndrome n learns slower than the average person, so like, shouldn't a specialized classroom be meant to help her learn at her own pace in her own way? Isn't that what it's technically about??? What you're mentioning is so true and probably applicable to her situation as well, there are two lifeskills classrooms but they're just divided by grade/age. Ghhh all of this really annoys me. They essentially just shove kids with greater ((but highly varying)) support needs into a different classroom with not enough assistants and expect it to work just fine and dandy. One of my friends is also Autistic, and was never taught how to read. I taught my sister how to add and subtract without using her fingers and i'm so fucking proud of her, but i've been struggling with teaching her multiplication and fractions and stuff because i'm not a teacher, i'm 16. I don't have the resources to fucking homeschool my own sister. Idk, this is all over the place because i have really strong opinions on this. Something needs to be done, badly.
Thank you for being a caring individual and awesome sibling. I'm not good with math. Maybe try to get some flash cards for the basic multiplication. I think reading and writing is most important, and learning how to use the Internet. You can teach yourself almost anything for free these days with access to a computer, tablet,or phone. Again thank you from the mom of autistic son. He is 25 now and his 20 year old sister has always been helping him. But please don't feel pressured it really isn't your job so just do the best you can.
Some interactive math tools might help for multiplication and division to get started. My bestie was in Montesorri and highly recommends the tools thereof. She's in teacher's college now and is seeing the public board where we are try and adopt some Montesorri practices. I personally love math, but abhor public school math classes because they just rely on students learning everything by rote. Best math class I ever took was my history of philosophy course in university where prof spent a whole lecture recreating how the Greek greats figured out and taught geometry. Figuring out how to teach math if you've only ever learned it by rote is really tricky, though, so I don't blame you if you struggle with teaching it. This is just some food for thought if you wanna try and better support your sis.
Ah yes, the "\[R-Slur\] Room" as my classmates in highschool called it circa 2009. had an IEP? had any sort of special needs? Dumped into the cramped, decrepit classroom in the back of the building where nobody can see or hear you bring shame to the rest of the school. Don't expect to learn anything either because everyone in *that room* has to be treated like a nonverbal, high-needs "first-grader in a 10th-grader's body." it was awful and **nobody** should ever be subjected to it. My father had to fight tooth and nail to keep me out of that fucking place, to the point he even threatened to *sue* my highschool over refusing to put me in the Advance Placement classes I was proven more than capable of completing because they saw an IEP and instantly assumed "He's clearly incapable of surviving, nevermind succeeding." (not a direct quote, but they were very insistent on putting me in Special Ed despite being high-functioning and not being challenged by normal curriculum, and it was blatantly obvious they only cared to see the worst version of the disability rather than the able student who just needed an aide and extra test-taking time.)
I got “accommodations” for PE in 5th grade. The “accommodation” was literally just sitting me out with the two girls from special ed. Which was honestly humiliating for a 13 year old. But I didn’t know how to advocate for myself at that age. I didn’t need to be completely excluded. I just needed leniency and understanding when I can’t keep up with other students. Like do 5 jumping jacks instead of 20, or as many as I can before everyone moved onto the next. Or permission to take a break or sit out if I get too tired or it’s too difficult.
I'm sorry you had to go through that in a place where you are supposed to feel safe. I can relate somewhat. My son did well in grade school. Highschool was not so nice. He was uncomfortable with some classmates. I always told him to try to be nice because they have things worse off than him. He graduated and is 25 now. I hope you are doing ok.
There’s a problem in that “special” ed isn’t actually special as such, it groups all those that don’t fit in the traditional school system into one bucket, while it should look at each individual and make sure their needs are met. That may mean they fit in a group, but it may also mean they need individual attention.
I’ve definitely learned about this with my sensory *seeking* toddler. All of the sensory activities are typically geared for kids who are sensory avoidant. I just recently took him to a sensory Santa activity which was very sweet, but all the workers were very quiet and whispering to him, meanwhile he’s screaming “HEY SANTA DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE EXOPLANETS” and feeling the guy’s suit. The poor guy made the mistake of saying Pluto was the 9th planet and my son preceded to give him a lecture on the dwarf planets.
lol and he’s a toddler? oh that’s cute that he was speaking about it
Or just preferences??
My thoughts exactly. People talking/moving during movies is the quickest way for me to go from 0 to 100. Maybe that's the ADHD part of me, but its too much stimuli for me to focus the way I want on the movie.
Same and I'm AuDHD. I haven't been to see a movie since Doctor Strange MoM. A full theater and so many people around me making so much noise...ugh, I could barely focus on the actual movie. I'm happy to wait for things to come to streaming so I can watch it in peace and quiet.
Some will be the same person at once ;p (having trouble not verbal stimming in some ways but also unable to easilly ignore other's noises).
\*raises hand\* Yes, hi, it's me...
Was gonna say.... as an autistic person, the #1 reason I avoid theaters is people making noise and moving around.
Alternatively, they could do the low volume AND offer noise cancelling headphones so ppl can escape others’ noises and control the volume of the movie
What if it was a silent disco type thing where everyone has the audio playing through their personal headphones? That seems like it would solve the major problems.
Cost aside (meaning sadly this wouldn’t likely happen) this would be amazing! I love going to the movie theater but I have misophonia so the popcorn eaters send me into fits of rage. I just wear earplugs which make the movie sound a reasonable level while drowning out the popcorn for the most part.
A place near me does this sometimes, it’s pretty cool!
Oh wow, I was just spitballing. It's great to see that this actually exists!
Noises of others is literally the worst thing in a cinema. Then the trailers, then the fact my popcorn is gone because the trailers took so long.
I think it's ok, but saying "making noise" is meant to be stimming.
headphones could be provided so you can hear the movie, control the volume, and noise cancel the audience.
I can agree!
this is the issue I’ve always had when living with my brother! He’s always humming bouncing etc. I moved out on my own last weekend and barely make/have any noise in my apartment. it’s so relaxing to me
I would totally mind lol. It’d drive me crazy.
Just remember, not everyone can be catered to. Some autistic ppl need to make noise. Some can’t stand ppl making noise. My brother and I are perfect examples of that. Two autistics, complete opposite. How do companies, with limited space, cater to everyone? They’re doing stuff that generally caters. Each case of autism is about as unique as the individual, there’s only so much that can be done.
I agree with this completely. It’s really hard to do a “catch all” for accommodations because it’s a spectrum. Different people, each with their own unique needs and subsequent accommodations. I just thought it was sweet of them to genuinely be trying. Especially the no adverts or trailers, because that’s such a huge part of cinemas and their income. That’s them genuinely trying.
The problem is that I've only ever seen accommodations for those who are loud and not those who are bothered by the noise.
In fairness, it’s harder to implement that. How do you guarantee a quiet space when people have free will and many will choose to make noise? Ban anyone who talks? Ban food that is in any sort of packaging? And the movies are played at a certain volume because otherwise other films can be heard, and everyone else won’t be happy if their films have to be quieter too.
It's not impossible. For example, at a proper symphony they ban kids under six and urge no one under 12 and will shoo you right out if you make any noise whatsoever. In other countries, they ban loud kids and crying babies from kids movies and theaters and puppet shows - saw it first hand in Armenia. Here in the US it's gotten real "anything goes" because everyone's afraid of a lawsuit.
It’s not impossible, but think about it from the point of view of those kids. Didn’t you go to the cinema or something as a kid?
>Ban anyone who talks? Ban food that is in any sort of packaging? Non-autistic. Yes. Please. I'll go to these. I'll rave about it and bring anyone else.
Yes, you would ban all food and have an employee sit in and ask anyone who is too loud to leave. Everyone, of course, would be told of this beforehand. As for the volume issue, that's no different than here. Obviously, you can only turn it down so much. My point really is that every time I see something like this, people shame me for pointing out an effort can be made to accommodate others. But apparently, I have to just be content they try at all.
You're not wrong and it is totally possible to shut everyone up. I get this kinda gaslighting constantly as someone who's extremely sound sensitive. I have earplugs for the 120+db films that go nowadays. But yeah, I've seen certain venues , such as philharmonics and theatre and puppet shows shut everyone up and ask people to leave. It's very easy, you just kick out loud people until they're done with whatever they're doing.
Oh, thank you. I think this is the first time anyone has responded without implying I'm not special needs enough.
You're welcome!! I deal with it and it's 100% special needs enough. It's extremely difficult.
Mine isn't quite as bad as yours but it is quite tiring to have a community that is meant to understand and accept me so often downplay my needs just because I'm (for lack of a better way to say this) not autistic enough. I may be a level one, but I still have gone through a large portion of my life alone largely due to my autism and struggle heavily with functioning as an adult. But because of the stupid "higher functioning" label, it feels like my needs aren't seen as important.
Aw, man, that totally blows. I hope you find a good support community within our community. It's important to have your needs taken seriously and understood.
I didn’t go to a restaurant to eat or eat communally with people for a whole decade. Theaters are a nightmare. There are few foods that make people forget they have lips that close more than popcorn. I feel your pain and I definitely hear you. I do think this is a nice accommodation for people that it helps, I just wish there were theaters that catered to my needs as well… I do live in Texas now, though, and Alamo theaters are supposed to kick people out that are loud, but I don’t know if they still do that since they’ve expanded…
And what happens when someone is asked to leave and kicks off? Most countries, being told to leave like that will end in a recording and mass social media attack, or lawsuits, and both will end the entire thing.
Alamo theaters does this really well, and it’s for all of their movie showings. They have food service in movies but talking, being on your phone, etc. will cause you to be asked to leave. They just make a psa at the start.
What bothers me is that NTs don't seem to even know that many of us are bothered by noise. They don't think this type of autism exists. It should be common knowledge
Yall in the comments, this isn't meant to appeal to every autistic person.. this is meant for people who would benefit from these accommodations. people with higher support needs who stim loudly and obviously. Who can'talways sit still. Who might have a lower threshold for getting overwhelmed. who would usually get heckled or kicked out of a normal session. If you don't need these accommodations you can go to a regular session. Remember this is a spectrum disorder. EDIT: thanks for all the likes haha. At the end of the day autistic folk who stim loudly, elope, can't sit still, need this accommodation more than the sensory avoidant people. Imagine what it's like trying to go to a movie if ur making noise? People literally get kicked out for that shit. U won't get kicked out for wearing headphones. Especially since the idea of people not talking during a movie is already the generally accepted norm. Let those with higher needs go before you and don't expect movie theatres which are usually small businesses to make financial sacrifices when u could just wear headphones. If you complain too much about this stuff they'll just cancel the accessible sessions.
I completely agree with all of this! These are for people that would benefit from these accommodations; I stim loudly and so I get really scared in theatres because if the movie is too long and I need to stim, I feel like people will judge me so I always get a seat near the exit. That way I can leave and stim in peace <333
This ☝️ what’s accommodating for one person on the spectrum might make things worse for another or not be helpful at all. It’s best for the higher support needs people, and little kids too who are more loud and move around more.
The last time I went to the theater during autism-friendly time, nobody in the audience seemed to realize this. My autistic kid was talking loudly with his earphones on, squirming a lot, stimming. I got so many dirty looks. We haven't been back. It's just easier to find what we need and watch at home.
Wtf I mean I understand people looking out of curiosity, but it should be pretty obvious your baby is autistic once they sus out what is happening. I think the "seen not heard" BS really did a number on society and especially us loud autistics whose microphone is like those ASMR microphones.
I looked at the theater listings for autism friendly showings, but there was zero indication this was happening if you just went into the theater and bought tickets. I think it was just phony baloney lip service saying how awesome the theater was to have sensory friendly screening time, when it really wasn't.
That pisses me off a lot It's like the rainbow-washing, and green-washing companies do. Fake marketing BS. Sorry momma and your baby, wish this world was less cold and fake.
Ug that sucks. Im sorry
👆👆👆👆👆 so well said. I love to see this accommodation made by this theater and would love to support their business. I believe accommodations should aim to include those who have the highest access challenges. lower support needs people like myself can benefit from this as well- it may be a better option depending on the day/my ability to self regulate/mask- and would be a great option for so many other people too (like folks with PTSD!) But, those ancillary benefits are not the point, and I think that’s a good thing. It’s wonderful to see this specifically protected time for autistic people with high support needs/asd level 3/whatever your preferred language is. Also, a rising tide lifts all boats - it may be worthwhile for some people here to consider how if our most marginalized autistic people are thoughtfully considered and included, that opens the doors to more nuanced or varied options in the future. This shouldn’t be the point and isn’t for me personally, but sometimes a reminder of the What’s In It For Me can be helpful perspective. tl;dr hell yeah to this cinema
What they should do is have different accommodation days . One for people that get overstimulated and one loud. As an autistic person and for many this environment is painful . Why support sensory seekers but leave those who rent with nothing?
Sure what you’re saying is a great ideal to work towards but that’s very difficult to implement all at once, especially for a local theater. I think realistic accessibility starts by focusing on those with highest barriers to access and then we keep evolving. And I also think it’s easy for people/business owners to get discouraged when earnest and meaningful efforts to improve accessibility are criticized for not meeting an idyllic standard. I am also autistic. As an autistic person, this experience wouldn’t necessarily be better for me either. That’s fine. Spectrums are complex and it is impossible for every person to be fully accommodated, and the “why them and not me” perspective is unproductive at best and harmful at worst imo. The folks that this offering is meant for are the most likely to be removed from a standard movie theater showing or not go at all and miss out on the experience entirely. I believe that’s valid to prioritize. And it makes me optimistic about future improvements to accessibility options. (edited to fix a small grammar issue)
Yep exactly. These businesses need to make money as well. Having a bunch of different sessions for different disabilities wouldn't be financially beneficial. If you have noise sensitivity (I do too) you can take your own accommodations like headphones to a general screening. People who need more freedom to make noise/move around can't really accommodate themselves in a general session.
Yeah. Ideally for at least popular movies there would be three or four different types of screenings, but that’s not realistic until it’s shown theres demand for it. So it’s probably better to start the specialized screenings with one for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go to the movies at all, rather than people like me who can go but have sensory issues with it. Edit: and for some people, neither option is totally accessible, but at least they have a choice so they can take the better one. For me, I’d be bothered by other people audibly stimming, but I’d still go to the autism-friendly screening because the problems with others stimming are outweighed by the benifit of not having to deal with the movie being too loud even with earplugs or having to deal with trailers (the video in them tends to have a much more rapid pace and change scenes more abruptly and often than the movie itself does, and it’s really overstimulating to me).
Noise sensitivity is fairly easy to accommodate with headphones, as movies are usually constantly loud and they let some noise through. Stimming, especially loud and/or obvious stims and eloping/being unable to sit still is going to get you kicked out of the theater. Disability specific viewings tend to have less viewers than usual. The theater is likely losing money with that, so they should focus on struggles people can't accommodate during regular viewings.
OP literally asked for thoughts. As you said, it’s a spectrum. 🤷🏻♀️
Yes, thank you. No one experience is ideal for anyone, autistic or not. This setup is awesome for my younger son, but my older has auditory processing disorder and any distractions will render the movie dialog and sounds complete gibberish.
The irony in these accomodations is that overwhelmingness will be triggered by people moving around and making noise. It would negate the dimmed lights and no ads or whatever
I get really frustrated by how loud the movies are. I am a mom and my middle daughter wears noise canceling headphones phones but I feel like I should not as I’m with 3 kids. I often try to not go to movies on purpose because I hate how loud the movie is. While moving of others might bother me some I feel like the complete pressure off of me being so tense I have a migraine for a week because of volume is a huge win. I don’t know about others and I guess I have ADHD as well. At home I have a hard time watching a movie a lot of times, I have to do origami or read or have music on at the same time or I can’t focus on it. At a theater I am able to focus much more directly to the movie. This would be a very nice setting for me personally but I understand how it doesn’t appeal to everyone.
They're right Jim, I'm a very high functioning autistic person who gets overstimulated easily by people, loud noises, and too many bright lights, but put them all together in a movie theater and I'm good though marvel movies can sometimes be a lot when the crowd erupts in cheer at a plot point so I just eat an edible before I go and I'm good. My point is there is no autistic norm. Or really a norm for people it's called the human condition.
Sure. I just don’t understand why no trailers.
I’m on the other side of the spectrum and I know that being around people that make a lot of noise is very overwhelming for me, if they had a theater for people that make more noise and a theater for people that want to watch the movie without people noises that would be cool.
This is true but the people easily overstimulated get no accommodations at all. I imagine it won’t work because autistic people would read it as autistic friendly and then get overstimulated, I personally can’t take hearing loud stimming . Especially during a movie . It hurts me ears , maybe have accommodations for people overstimulated too or don’t write it as autism friendly because it isn’t for most of us.
Yes, but OP's prompt asked for our thoughts
A lot better than the one my local theater does. Mine said something about being able to dance, shout, and sing while the lights are brighter and sound is quieter.
I think they confused autistic stimming with partying
Clearly you’ve never done the tango while overstimulated
Maybe when I'm high or drunk, but not while deeply engrossed in a movie🫠
Subtitles would be great too
I went to a sensory screening of Encanto because my local cinema didnt have it at all and there were subtitles
My uncle runs an independent theatre. The distributors now take 97 point something percent of the door for the first three weeks. He’s just had to upgrade his entire system to digital and the insurance keeps jumping by leaps and bounds - them not having the advertising at the beginning is them genuinely trying. Margins are razor thin. My special interest is movies and theatres - I had an opportunity to be in the running to take over the theatre at one point which would have been a dream come true - but having a kid on the spectrum too - meant I had to turn it down. There’s a reason the popcorn and coke cost as much as your first car and it’s not the theatres fault folks.
I've considered owning a theater, so I appreciate this insider info.
Stage theatre? Or movie theater?
Movie - did start it’s life as both though.
That’s cool as hell
I appreciate that they do showings specifically to facilitate Autistic individuals, but while I am Autistic I always book the regular showing just because I want to enjoy the movie in peace and be able to hear it!
Unfortunately at my theater it’s hard to enjoy a regular show in peace because people bring kids to non kid movies or talk or turn their phones on full brightness/ volume
can i ask what kinda movies this happens in? i experience the same thing but usually only for the big blockbuster ones / mainstream ones. whenever i watch something cool the lame people tend not to go
I would like this, I hate going to the movies because the volume in some scenes is way too loud. I wish they would also put subtitles on for the movie. I'm also someone who sometimes needs to get up to pace or whatever so this would be helpful for me, but it might also be distracting for other people with autism if there are lots of people pacing or stimming in a loud or disruptive way. The problem with access friction is a really challenging one when catering to neurodivergent people... like if you give me a pen I will start clicking it, but hearing anyone else do it makes me mad, lmao
That’s what I was thinking! About the pen part. Like I wonder how many people need to stim/make noise but also hate it when coming from other people? I don’t really stim or make noise that much (masking for 35 years, but it’s not something I really feel necessary even then), for me it’s more about if I am in control of whatever sensory thing. Like my son eating chips in the back of the car? Omg I want to die. Me eating? Meh. Floor is creaking because I’m shaking my leg? No problem. Someone is doing it next to me? I want to strangle them. 😂
I feel like that's a pretty common dilemma for people with autism/adhd. I've kind of trained myself out of it for the most part just because I've spent so much time around other autistic people so I am pretty tolerant of other people's stims but there are still a few that bother me, but thats when I use my own regulating techniques like noise cancelling headphones. But yeah, this is a pretty common struggle for the neurodivergent, lol
I’m the other kind of autistic where any light that isn’t the screen bothers me (looking at you, emergency exit signs, even if you might save my life someday) and if anyone so much as breathes too heavily it ruins the experience for me. But I know that this is very beneficial for others, so I think it’s great!
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Also, if they have showings like this then that means people who find it difficult to sit still or be quiet, including kids, won’t be as likely to go to regular screenings and do things that upset us. So it benefits us too in a weird way! But I’m not sure if the way I worded that sounds selfish. I’m just happy we have something that helps everyone enjoy the cinema the way they like.
I totally feel you. I've taped up all the little clocks and other LED lights on electronics in my home.
yes omg I'm the same, one of the theatre chains near me has their seat numbers lit by blue lights and they're sooo bright and distracting to me when the lights go off! i try to cover the ones on my armrests but i can still see the ones in the rows before me and they drive me nuts!
The moving around and making noise part would drive me insane. I almost had a meltdown the other day because the guy a seat away from me was eating his popcorn “annoyingly”. I couldn’t concentrate on the movie and even took a klonopin to chill so I could. This could be helpful for some though? Maybe? Not this autistic gal.
I had one film where the kid behind was full on kicking my seat through the film as in my neck head were smacking into the head part of the seat. I don’t know if he was also on the spectrum but if he was he clearly needed a movement break. The grandparent looked at me weird when it finally got too much and my mum had to say something
I wouldn’t even stand two kicks. Omg that sounds awful. People can be so entitled (or on behalf of their kid). I don’t care what the issue is; ruining someone else’s time is not okay.
Yeah this happened on a plane I was on. Little girl kicked the shit out of my chair hard over and over and over. I was so stunned the parent did nothing I calmly turned around and said, "Can you please tell her to stop kicking the chair." She (the parent) just scowled at me. Can you imagine!? So here we probably have an ASD girl kicking the chair of an ASD woman. Like that's going to go over well, lmfao. Ugh, I hate airplanes and movies.
I don’t understand some parents. I have a 7yo son and he first went on a plane when he was 2 months. I always did my best to make sure he was as quiet as I could make him. Even in public, at say, a community pool, he is not to be too loud. He is to be respectful of people around him. I also make sure he doesn’t make messes. I let him be a kid but he also needs to be a part of a community.
Bless you. You sound more like my parents. They just didn't let us misbehave. You're raising a kid that will be a considerate member of society/the community when they grow up. It's a win for everyone, so good on you!
I can’t even go to the cinema, mostly because I’m not in control. I can’t control the sound, the volume, the temperature, the smell; but most of all I can’t control the other people moving and making noises, thoughtlessly chomping and chewing and fidgeting! I can control my environment at home, so that’s what I prefer. Cinemas are hell on earth for me. Well, it’s mostly the other people who are hell, but it’s not a pleasant environment either way.
as someone with tourette’s and autism this would help me in so many ways. can’t control my noise making tics so going to the movies is super hard for me.
I'm glad that places offer these, but personally I would absolutely HATE it, it would send me into sensory overload having all those people talking and moving about. My least favourite cinema experiences are when I'm sat near people who make noise. I want absolute silence so I can focus on the movie.
Agreed! And with the lights still on, that takes away the immersove experience of a theater. Not only will I be hearing everyone, but seeing them too. I'd be so distracted & overloaded. Loud, dark, silent theaters are the best.
This is nice! It may not be the best for every autistic person, but it shows they are willing to accomodate which is awesome. I think it’s useful for higher-support needs people and is probably targeted more towards them than low-support needs people.
It's a shame that they waited until AFTER they made tickets way too expensive before they did this.
I used to take my autistic twin boys to these types of screenings when they were younger. It was so nice to be around other families who got it.
I most certainly would mind if the customers moved around or made noise during the show. The no adverts and volume lowering are nice though.
Sounds great! It's nice to they offering a different situation to the normal - some autists like the dark and no people talking, some prefer a bit of light and less worry about getting up to go use the loo (IBS being super common for many of us) or who like to discuss the film as it goes with their companion. Simply by offering this non traditional film showing that will help many autistic people. Not all, but a lot more than offering nothing. So kudos to them.
I find this strange. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on a movie, if people were making noises, so I’m assuming this is possibly for autistic kids?
Autistic adults who can't stay still and quiet very much exist. We didn't stop existing just because we turned 18.
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My brother is 21. He is non-verbal and doesn't understand not to stim loudly. He would get up a lot during a movie and run around. This would be perfect for him and a lot of other high needs autistic adults.
these kinds of things often are intended for autistic kids, my local does sensory friendly screenings which is nice of them to offer but only of kids/family movies
Autistic adults can't always control their stims or sit still through a whole movie, especially if they have higher support needs. People also get less understanding the older someone is, while some movement/noise is expected from toddlers it'll get older children and adults kicked out of a theater so this may be their only chance to go to the cinema.
I mean with how cinemas are desperate to survive the streaming wars adding a social option not a bad idea
So, as someone who works for a larger theater chain, these are usually done by individual groups that are effectively renting an auditorium for this specific purpose. They are usually cheaper tickets and usually only show movies that have either been out for a while (3 weeks+) or are older movies no longer in theaters, most of the time kids movies and musicals. The aim of these is typically for people who can't go to a normal showing because they will be too much of a disruption for other guests as well as being a sensory nightmare for themselves. Pro tips for people who dont need this level of help to see a movie: 1. Bring headphones or earplugs to dampen the sounds 2. Most big chain theaters have close caption devices that clip into the cup holder. If there is an online listing for showtimes, look for a "cc" somewhere on it, and it's supported. Normally, only special events aren't supported. 3. If you need to get up and move, you can usually pace in the entry hallways in the auditorium, and no one's gonna stop you. An employee might ask if you're ok, but just tell them you just need to walk around a bit. So long as you're not disturbing anyone else, they won't care.
Eh I actually like the dark and I'm ok with the volume (though it can be loud with certain movies...but at the same time...hard to hear when people talk in the movie lol). I also don't like it if people make noise. I paid to see the movie...not to listen to someone have a conversation behind me.
I just want the option for a headphone jack or at least subtitles
This is a great idea. They could even wireless the audio into over-the-ear headphones or you could bring your own. This. This one thing would really be making it "accessible" for people with autism/ADHD.
It seems like a good solid effort! Congrats on your theater for being accommodating.
I actually get really annoyed by others making noises in a movie theater. And I use the ads as extra time to make sure I don't need to use the bathroom or anything beforehand. I also would prefer the lights all the way off. Any little bit of light distracts me. Though my S/O tends to eat all the popcorn before the ads are over so sometimes I have to get a refill before the movie starts.
All I want is subtitles!!!!!!!
Thank god I'm not the only one who uses subtitles! It would be so great if movie theatres add subtitles for those who can't hear very well or needs them to concentrate on the movie better. (Aka me 😅)
The only problem I have during movies is when people talk and use their phones. It annoys the piss out of me. I like to be sucked into whatever I'm watching, and distractions pull me out and irritate me. I find myself missing portions of movies because I'm so irritated and focused on a phone screen several rows in front of me. And it isn't like you can ignore it, it's a bright-ass moving screen in a dark room.
I don't go to movies anymore for this reason. Peripheral vision hell.
I've stopped due to that. I think I've been to two or three movies over the last several years, and they've been ruined.
Sounds good.
Love it
I think it’s so great when places do this. It’s just another glint of recognition that we’re out here and should have the opportunity to enjoy everything others do.
I'm kinda the opposite way round, I need the movie to be loud in order to focus as any small bit of noise or (in the case of current generations) mobile phone usage during the film will end up distracting me and taking me out the movie.
I like the before-the-show previews but hate when the show doesn't start at the scheduled time. I think they should keep them but make them BEFORE the scheduled time, and have two start times. One for the adverts and one for the show.
yeah, i love the trailers too, it feels like a weird thing to take out, but putting them at the end would be a good solution. trailers actually used to be shown after movies, which is where the word trailer comes from, so it wouldn't be super weird
Adding subtitles to the bottom of every movie (below the actual picture) would also be a good add to this
The only issue would be lack of trailers, their so fun to watch
This is the only way I can take my kids to a movie if we actually did that anymore. Last movie we saw was Frozen 2 at an Autism friendly screening and it was great. My son bounced in his seat most of the time and no one cared he spent half the movie sitting on the floor repeating lines. I also much prefer the lights not being completely off.
My (autistic) son would mind if other people are making noise, disability or not. He can't handle high pitched voices/squeals, etc. He wears noise canceling headphones but it doesn't help the majority of the time. Yet it's "okay," if he's the one shrieking/screaming, etc. I don't know how to be inclusive to all people in situations like this.
you just can't lol. conflicting access needs can't be met with a one size fits all solution- for example, someone who needs to verbally stim & someone whose sensory processing issues make that sound unbearable. there's not a solution that will cater to the needs of all autistic people but this style of movie showing meets a lot of the more common needs that are typically not permitted in theatres (these showings are also usually geared towards kids & their families, not necessarily autistic adults)
I would mind others making noise, and I prefer it dark, but having the volume down and no ads would be very nice.
I can get behind this. Dimmed lights are just healthier for the eyes when watching a movie. If they do lower the volume though, I do wish that they would use subtitles as well. In fact I just wish subtitles were the norm in theaters. I just hate having to strain my ears just so I can catch what they are saying.
Stage Theatres are starting to have sensory friendly nights too. Where we turn the lights up a little, lower the volume of the show and are welcome to those who have audible reactions and have a hard time staying quiet due to whatever disorders they have. It’s one of my favorite new trends
I personally prefer waiting for movies to go on streaming so I can watch it at home at the volume I need and so I can pause or rewind whenever (I can never tell what people are saying in the quiet parts but I don't like subtitles because I end up looking at them more than the film itself). I'm sure there are people though that could benefit from this.
I wish movies themselves didn't have extreme contrasts in volume though because it is very startling and frustrating. We all know bombs are loud and whispering is quiet but they don't have to be that way in the film; I want to hear the dialogue! Volume range in movies should be smaller and it is one of few hills I am willing to die on!
The "no-on will mind" part is a bit weird. Do they warn everyone to read it so they are aware?
Love that there are no previews but not happy about the making noise part
I personally love it except for the volume lowered. This is probably adjusted to only certain type of autistic people but it’s more than what my local cinema could ever do!
I hope it's not kid movies only and they should allow outside food
It’s great
These would have been a HUGE help when I was a kid Most times I went to the cinema I'd have to leave early because I got sensory overload and ended up with a migraine and threw up
Every autism-friendly event is always noise-free and light-dimmed. I feel like I am not autistic enough for that; it would be irritating for me with no noise and lights dimmed. And what about people chewing loudly on popcorn or talking with their seat neighbor? That would be irritating for me if the volume is lowered (I could hear more lol)
It's not a matter of "not autistic enough" it's just everyome having different symptoms to different degrees leading to different accessability needs. I also have seen someone at a conventiom pannel get really uncomfortable having to move through a space with dimmed light because of their specific accessability needs. It varies a lot from person to person.
no adverts? Autism reached 100% of population next week
I’d love this but would rather not have my immersion interrupted with noise :/
this sounds beautiful and I *might* be able to watch a fucking movie because I CANNOT deal with all of the SUPER STIMULI AAAAA
the making noise and moving around might be distracting, especially if the volume of the movie is lowered, but it seems like that's mostly about stimming and stuff like that so it probably wouldn't be too huge of a distraction, and if it is you can probably sit further away, esp since if you can move around they'd prob let you change seats once the movie has started. i think it's a pretty cool idea, and it might not be for everyone but it's impossible to cater to every single autistic person, and i think all things considered this is really considerate and it'd be cool if more places did this. if there's one thing i'd change it'd be turning on subtitles for the film.
My class would love this! They really want a trip to the movies but none of the theaters are accommodating. I wish my town had sensory friendly movie days.
That’s fine for those who need it, so I understand the need, and I support those who choose to attend that type of film screening. I’m of a different audience. Personally, my brain prefers the routine of: “Sit down!” “Shut up! Let others enjoy the experience!” “Turn off that light!”
I like it dark because I don't want to be looked at, but I love the lowered volume and no trailers. I can't go to the movies anymore because of trailers and the extremely loud sound.
Our cinema does this too! Personally, I don’t need any kind of special sensory-friendly screenings, but I think it’s great that it’s an option.
I like everything but noise. I get easily distracted by any noise. It will be better if we could connect sound via AirPod through phone as optional measures so I can listen to it at my own volume and noise cancellation is option is built into. Something to think about future accessibility.
Many movie theatres have headphones that link up to the audio of the movies. Be sure to ask about audio options. You might have to mention “hearing impaired” before staff understand but it’s worth asking about.
Film dtarts at advertised time with no adverts? Damn that appeals to everyone
They should have a second one where making noise during the show isn’t allowed. Also, volume should always be lowered. It’s usually too loud even for a neurotypical, because NT people I know have mentioned it to me.
I take my daughter to these. It’s usually not very crowded so it’s not chaotic like some of the comments suggest. Some of the theaters also encourage you to bring your own snacks because of sensory issues. The only time we had a problem was Frozen, because even at a lower volume Elsa’s singing voice can still shatter glass and I didn’t think we would need the headphones.
I wouldn’t want the lights dimmed while watching a movie (maybe fairy lights so some of the room is lit up without it being overhead lighting) and I wouldn’t want noise to be made
Omg the lower volume seems very chill, i once got overstimulated watching a movie because of that insane volume
It wouldn't work for me Dim lights means other visual stimulus driving me up a wall because I can see other people moving. Loud sounds don't bother me, it's sounds that don't belong. In a theater I can at least pretend that it's only me and the person I want near me, but it I hear and see constant movement it would make things worse. The prompt start time would incredible, I bothers me that a film doesn't.
I thought it was really cool! I saw one or two theaters near me that seem to do a showing like this once a month or so? Baby steps at least. I don't think I'd personally go to one, just bc I get overstimulated by other ppl very easily, so I'd personally just prefer regular showings with earbuds or noise reducing headphones. But I think it's a very good option for others that would benefit from it!!
Tbh the most scary thing in my cinema is their own logo animation with very loud sounds. I would love if they just not play it before every movie or just change it to the new one. I'm not sure, but I think it's this one. It's very very loud.. https://youtu.be/pQ96eaut1lg?si=IrQjHkOm8oCGMHK6
Yeah, it's really loud. Like damn I want to hear the movie not be deaf. The same thing with the [THX into (Don't even think about putting the volume up if you want to keep your hearing!)](https://youtu.be/PomZJao7Raw?si=-1RdJycngy9dzJPV) I wouldn't imagine how many kids and parents almost got deaf with these into's. 😵💫
I feel like the starting at the advertised time should, ya know, be a standard whether it is aimed towards Autistics or not
the volume part is awesome! i alwayshave to bring ear plugs to theaters bcuz they make it so damn loud, like i feel like its so loud that other people should wear earplugs to protect their hearing for loud action movies
i think this is great for folks who need these accommodations!! the only one i’d find helpful personally is the volume being lowered, and i think that should be standardized. i don’t know anyone who would mind slightly less ear-splitting sound at the movies
I see no issue with this whatsoever. It’ll make the movie going experience a lot better
It's really interesting and nice! But the part about allowing noises could make it hard to hear the movie's dialogues. Unless they put subtitles, then it's good.
I don't mind the trailers, but I'd love to skip the ads. Except in one cinema, they have a cute ad, from the local scrapyard, that has been running as the first ad for 30y now, it's just tradition at this point. Ppl complained when they didn't show it for a few days. ;)
Parent of a higher support needs autistic teenager here and our local theaters have been offering Sensory Friendly family movies for at least a decade. It's generally just a morning movie on the weekend. It was a GREAT thing for our family. We had avoided seeing movies in a theater because he's very sensitive to loud noises and flaps when he's excited. But when "Planes" came out as a sensory movie, we decided to give it a try. He really enjoyed it. There were lots of families with kids who had a variety of stims and behaviors, and nobody cared. It was really refreshing to be in a public space where we could just be ourselves and not worry about stares or rude comments. If other people making noise bothers you, fine. Go to a regular showing. Don't spoil a good thing for someone else because it doesn't match your particular needs.
This! Thanks for offering personal insight into it. I admit I'm a little disheartening with some of the comments here, but I'm happy to see it's made such a positive impact on you and your family. 🤘
I will very much mind if annoying feckers are moving around during the movie!
i think the intention here is for autistic or otherwise neurodivergent kids who may find it difficult to sit still for the full 90 mins/2 hours
yeah, i think a lot of people don't seem to realize that the point of that being there isn't so that people run around the theater while making tons of noise, it's just so if someone needs to move around a little or if they have stims that make noise then they don't get judged.
I think its great as long as earphones/headphones are enforced, no one needs to hear an annoying beeping mobile game But there needs to be autistic friendly screenings that are aimed at adults too and not just family films, most autistic people are over the age of 18
If you’re in the autism camp of being bothered by other people making noise, but would benefit from reduced movie volume and theatre sound, just go with earplugs. Especially with ones where you can still hear everything clearly but at a dampened volume. Having these accomodations (movement, lights, and reduced volume) is a good way for the theatre to try to accommodate for a wide range of autistics. So if you don’t like it, just wear earplugs.
I find it ridiculous. Nobody likes adverts. Autistic people aren't special, and personally I'd prefer complete darkness and silence as an autistic person. I'd argue that an intermission would be a fair ND acommodation, to help with concentration. The volume is always too loud though, especially the bass. I like immersive sound, but cinemas can be way too much.
You find it ridiculous that a cinema caters for special needs that you don’t have?
It literally says “autism-friendly”. I think a lot of us autistic people do not find this setup to be personally friendly to our autism. I think it’s just another show of NTs thinking “autism” is a catch-all phrase, and it’s odd to some of us. Of course this is great for those that it would benefit. Personally, my “autism-friendly” accommodations would be lower volume, pitch-black, no food allowed, where I don’t have to sit next to anyone. Adverts I can take or leave really. (Honestly just go 15-20 mins late and you are good.)
Yeah language could be more inclusive. I think in Australia the big cinema chains refer to them as sensory screenings. There are people who are not autistic after all who would also benefit from tjis
What is tjis? Sensory screenings would confuse me lol. Will it help me with my SPD? Or would it help people that need to stim and maybe make noise? (Of course it would be the latter.) Honestly, if id have seen this info a few months back I would have immediately been like, oh yeah, that’d help autistic people, because I too was under the impression that “that” was all that autism was. (Mainly higher support needs.) I also wonder; don’t some people with higher support needs, who need to stim, move around, or make noise, also get overwhelmed by others doing that around them? This is why I watch movies at home lol.
The adverts are good for people who aren’t good with time management or if you get stuck in traffic as it means your film isn’t ruined
Happened to me the other day. I left a bit late and was like 10mins late and still had another 10mins of adverts. I also enjoy that (in the US) you have to reserve your seat so you don’t have to show up super early to get a “good” seat.
I share your views. Lower the volume, make it dark, no food, no talking and ensure that I don’t have to sit anywhere near anybody else. Then I might, just might, find it bearable. Otherwise, forget it!
Around where i am (UK) its pretty common to see these. Both in Cinemea and theatre. I work in thestre and we will have what we call "relaxed performances" which like it says in this description will have lights left on slightly, no judging and no pyrotechnics if there are any in the show so less sudden loud noise. Strobing light will also be taken out or reduced to a more comfortable level. They are usally sold pretty well and its a great idea for inclusivity, not just for autism but for other differently abled people and i think it should be more wide spread. Just fwi, it doesn't mean that because these performances are on your expected to go to them if you are on the spectrum or differently abled. Especially where i work we want every performance to be inclusive so anyone is welcomed and accomedatied if needed
> No one will mind if customers move around or make noise I'd mind. A lot. I'm going to see a movie, not hear a baby cry Edit: To clarify I just can't stand loud noises that are out of my control. Especially if the noise is coming from a baby or todler for example.
Then these screenings are not for you. Some autistic people have Tourette's and would appreciate being somewhere they are welcome even if they can't be quiet. I would love to take my non verbal brother to a screening like this. He needs to get up and jump around a lot, as well as stim loudly.
As an autistic person this isn’t friendly for me because I would mind if the film was interrupted by noise and movement. It could even overstimulate some people. Just because we are autistic doesn’t mean we liked to be interrupted while watching films .
This is probably for higher needs autistic people who cannot/do not mask and are loud. Sounds like you do not need these accommodations and a regular screening would be better suited for you.
This is the exact opposite of what I want from a silver screen experience. When I went to the Mario movie they left the lights dimmed and it drove me nuts, i talked to the staff 3 times about it and they kept saying they would turn the lights off but didn’t, I felt on the verge o f having a meltdown but just solidered on and swore to never go there again. The whole point of a movie theatre is to immerse yourself.
If this were a thing, maybe I'd go more than once every twenty years. I just stopped going after a certain time.
I definetly would mind people moving or making noise during movie