Posted by Audra Baumgartner on December 21, 2015 · Leave a Comment
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Films“ every month – wonderful opportunities to enjoy favorite “family-friendly” films in a safe and accepting environment. And now they are also featuring PG-13 films – like the new Star Wars film! – for older audience members on the autism spectrum.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights turned up and the sound turned down. Families will be able to bring in snacks to match their child’s dietary needs (i.e. gluten-free, casein-free, etc.), there are no advertisements or previews before the movie and it’s totally acceptable to get up and dance, walk, shout, talk to each other…and even sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced during movie screenings unless the safety of the audience is questioned.
Does it make a difference? Absolutely! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves. “For a parent with a special needs child attempting an outing like this may seem overwhelming. And yet getting out, being with the community and sharing in an experience with an audience can be invaluable for just such children”.
On Tuesday, December 22nd at 7pm local time, Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be screened as part of the “Sensory Friendly Films” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of participating AMC theatres nationwide (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming later in December: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Sat, 12/26)
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Editor’s note: Although Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been chosen by AMC and the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sci-fi action violence. As always, please check the IMDB Parent’s Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
