Tomorrow the New Hunger Games Movie is Sensory Friendly
Last updated on November 24th, 2015 at 05:00 pm
AMC Entertainment (AMC) has expanded their Sensory Friendly Films program, in partnership with the Autism Society! This Tuesday evening, families affected by autism or other special needs have the opportunity to view a sensory friendly screening of the new Hunger Games movie, Mockingjay – Part 2, a film that may appeal to older audiences on the autism spectrum.
As always, 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! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
AMC and the Autism Society will be showing the Hunger Games movie, Mockingjay – Part 2, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 24th at 7pm (local time). Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming later in November: The Good Dinosaur (Sat, 11/28)
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Editor’s note: Although The Hunger Games – Mockingjay Part 2 has been chosen by 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 intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
To All Caregivers of Kids (Especially Special Needs): Two Words
Last updated on November 24th, 2015 at 04:59 pm
Yesterday I had to leave work (again) because one of my kids was sick (again) and we went to the doctor (again). There was a tall young dad in the waiting room with a tiny infant. He juggled the supplies and the baby until he managed to find a bottle. Of course I made a fuss over the cuteness of the little bundle, despite the mortification of my own child who now stands 3 inches taller than me. The dad had a beard and was wearing skinny jeans so I assumed his disheveled hair was due to his hipsterness, but as we chatted he confessed that he wasn’t sure if he had showered in the past three days. Between their older toddler and the baby he and the mommy were completely overwhelmed. We commiserated about those days of pure survival, where it is just a minute by minute constant blur of diapers, laundry, bottles and burps – not to mention all the other icky stuff. Then the exhausted dad took a deep breath, looked my special needs child right in the eye, and said, “You better thank your mother.”
It is sad, but true – parenting any child, special needs or not, is literally a thankless job. Caregiving in general is clearly not valued in our society – just look at the pay rates. It is crucial in those early years (and all the years that follow) that those young beings are treated right, engaged, stimulated and loved. And yet many parents and caregivers never hear a thank you – and if they have special needs, the ones in their care may be unable to communicate, even if they are truly grateful.
So in this time of Thanksgiving, to all the parents, grandparents, caregivers, therapists, teachers and family friends let me say thank you. If you care enough to read this then you care about your role in a child’s life – maybe even a special needs child’s life – and you are doing a great job.
Thank you!
Ps – If you are seeing family or friends this holiday season, and you are caring for a special needs child, take the opportunity to educate them on whatever challenges your child is facing. The Autism Society put together this quick quiz… it’s a great way to get the conversation started. And again…thank you, for all you do!
The Peanuts Movie is Sensory Friendly this Saturday
Last updated on November 24th, 2015 at 04:58 pm
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 – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fun new films in a safe and accepting environment.
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! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
This Saturday November 14th, at 10am local time, AMC and the Autism Society’s “Sensory Friendly Film” program will be showing The Peanuts Movie. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming later in November: The Hunger Games – Mockingjay – Part 2 (Tues, 11/24) and The Good Dinosaur (Sat, 11/28)
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Editor’s note: The Peanuts Movie has been rated G by the Motion Picture Association of America. However, as always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
See AMC’s Sensory Friendly Screening of Spectre Tomorrow
Last updated on November 16th, 2015 at 11:43 am
AMC Entertainment (AMC) has expanded their Sensory Friendly Films program, in partnership with the Autism Society! This Tuesday evening, families affected by autism or other special needs have the opportunity to view a sensory friendly screening of the new Bond movie, Spectre, a film that may appeal to older audiences on the autism spectrum.
As always, 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! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
AMC and the Autism Society will be showing the Bond movie, Spectre, tomorrow, Tuesday, November 10th at 7pm (local time). Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming later in November: Peanuts (Sat, 11/14) The Hunger Games – Mockingjay – Part 2 (Tues, 11/24)
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Editor’s note: Although Spectre has been chosen by 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 intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Jem and the Holograms is Sensory Friendly at AMC on Tuesday
Last updated on November 6th, 2015 at 12:24 am
AMC Entertainment (AMC) is expanding their Sensory Friendly Films program, in partnership with the Autism Society! This Tuesday evening, families affected by autism or other special needs have the opportunity to view a sensory friendly screening of Jem and the Holograms, a movie that may appeal to both younger and older audiences on the autism spectrum.
As always, 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! Imagine …no need to shhhhh your child. No angry stares from other movie goers. Many parents think twice before bringing a child to a movie theater. Add to that your child’s special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this one screening, everyone is there to relax and have a good time, everyone expects to be surrounded by kids – with and without special needs – and the movie theater policy becomes “Tolerance is Golden“.
AMC and the Autism Society will be showing Jem and the Holograms tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27th at 7pm (local time). Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, here is a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access full list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming in November: Spectre (Tues, 11/10), Peanuts (Sat, 11/14) The Hunger Games – Mockingjay – Part 2 (Tues, 11/24)
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Editor’s note: Although Jem and the Holograms has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for thematic material including reckless behavior, brief suggestive content and some language. As always, please check the IMDB Parents Guide for a more detailed description of this film to determine if it is right for you and your child.
Goosebumps is AMC’s Sensory Friendly Film this Saturday
Last updated on October 25th, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Each month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society are teaming up to bring families affected by autism and other special needs “Sensory Friendly Films” – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” movies in a safe and accepting environment. They have also recently added movie screenings of films for slightly older audiences 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 Saturday, October 24th at 10am local time, Goosebumps will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Films” program. Tickets are $4 to $6 depending on the location. To find a theatre near you, click here for a list of AMC theatres nationwide participating in this fabulous program (note: to access list, please scroll to the bottom of the page – and check with your local theatre to be sure they will be showing this Sensory Friendly film).
Coming later in October: Jem and the Holograms (Tues, 10/27)
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Editor’s note: Although Goosebumps has been chosen by the Autism Society as this month’s Sensory Friendly screening, we do want parents to know that it is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor. 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.
