Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings

Well we've had a nice half term break and got out a few times this week. I love going to the cinema with my boys, we have to divide cinema visits up now as my kids like different movies as they have got older but I take this opportunity to have some well needed 'one on one' time with each of them. 

My son doesn't have a problem with the cinema too much only that he needs to cram in the latest animated offering from Disney Pixar, a Star Wars movie now and again and keep up to date with any Thomas and Friends movies but that's his limit. There is now a way to visit the cinema though if your child or young person does have problems with the loud sound and the theatre being too dark. This can effect someone with massive sensory issues and in the past it's just been virtually impossible to go.

Dimensions are a charity who support people with Autism, learning difficulties and complex needs, they have organised Autism Friendly Cinema Screenings with all the major cinema chains now. Across the UK you can see various films every month with the sound turned down lower, the lights up slightly so it's not so dark. We have been to support these sessions and I can honestly say they are a joy to go to. It's a very relaxed atmosphere where parents can relax and not worry what anyone else thinks as everyone is in the same boat. Children can wonder around and in one particular film we joined in with the audience cheering out loud at the good bits. 

So if you haven't tried these session and you find regular sessions a bit tricky do try them as it can help. There are even sessions now for young adults with Autism too in some selected cinemas which I think is a great progression as it's not always the children's films where people need assistance.

For more information about Dimensions and what sessions are available you can go to their website here at 
www.dimensions-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/autism-friendly-cinema-screenings/

Don't forget as well that you may qualify for a CEA card to use at the cinema, this means that when visiting the cinema and you buy your young person a ticket, you as a carer go free so it's well worth applying for.
All the information about the CEA Card and whether you are eligible for one go to: www.ceacard.co.uk/index.php

I do hope the school holidays were ok for all of you out there too, let me know what you got up to. Thank you for reading today, join me again tomorrow for Pass the Remote but for now take care.