Tomorrow, BRAVE is June’s AMC Sensory Friendly Movie Screening
Last updated on July 9th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” 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! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves “they are dark, the sound is very loud, there are tempting stairs and rails and they are expected to sit still and stay quiet”. 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 June 30th at 10am local time, Brave will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. 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 list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming July 21st: Ice Age: Continental Drift
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Editor’s note: Although Brave 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 some scary action and 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.
June 16, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted is Sensory Friendly
Last updated on June 13th, 2012 at 10:25 am
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and with other special needs ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a wonderful opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” 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! “It can be challenging enough to bring ANY child to a movie theater” says PedSafe Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves “they are dark, the sound is very loud, there are tempting stairs and rails and they are expected to sit still and stay quiet”. 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 June 16th at 10am local time, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. 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 list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming June 30th: Brave
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Editor’s note: Although Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 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 mild action and 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.
Care.com Features Special Needs Caregivers Nationwide
Last updated on June 13th, 2012 at 10:21 am
As the mother of a special needs child I was never comfortable leaving my child with anyone else unless it was an absolute emergency – and my child has very mild special needs. But let’s face it, no matter how devoted and loving you are to your children there are times when you need to get something done without a child in tow, or you just need a break. Or maybe your financial situation or important position makes it so that you need to work. So, how do you find someone you can trust, who is qualified to handle your child’s medical, physical, behavior or emotional challenges?
You can get referrals from your pediatrician, a local daycare or other area moms. You can look on your local Craig’s List, Jen’s List or advertise online or in a local paper. You can hire your cousin’s kid who is in nursing school…you know the drill. It’s tough – you probably have a lot of questions about this person who will be coming into your home. A while ago I came across Care.com, and they really make the process easier.
The site works on a membership basis with free and paid premium memberships. There are local listings of caregivers along with their experience and qualifications. Paid members can even do background checks on caregivers, which is reassuring. Care.com also lists caregivers for pets, seniors and house sitters.
No matter how highly a caregiver is recommended, be sure to interview them and trust your instincts. Watch them interact with your child (or pet or senior) and keep looking until you find one that you feel is “right” for your family.
“Ask the Advocates” Guide to the Special Needs Educational System
Last updated on September 12th, 2015 at 11:55 pm
If you are a special needs parent with a newly diagnosed child or if you have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting coming up you might want to do a little homework. Some parents bring a child advocate to meetings, but you can be your child’s best advocate if you are prepared.
Parents and child advocates Aisla and Bev put together an affordable e-book called Ask the Advocates to help others get the most out of the educational system. The book addresses both general questions such as how to request assessments and services for your child, as well as very specific issues like behavioral support in school. The authors offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied and include free resources lists. Read more about the book and the writers here.
May 5th Sensory Friendly Film: The Pirates! Band of Misfits
Last updated on June 3rd, 2012 at 05:05 pm
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” 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! “It can be challenging enough to bring a child to a movie theater” says Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves “they are dark, the sound is very loud, there are tempting stairs and rails and they are expected to sit still and stay quiet”. 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 May 5th at 10am local time, The Pirates! Band of Misfits will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. 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 list, please scroll to the bottom of the page).
Coming June 16th: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
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Editor’s note: Although The Pirates! Band of Misfits 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 mild action, rude humor and some language. 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.
On March 10th, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is Sensory Friendly
Last updated on March 7th, 2012 at 09:29 am
Once a month, AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities ”Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings“ – a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite “family-friendly” 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! “It can be challenging enough to bring a child to a movie theater” says Special Needs Parenting Expert Rosie Reeves “they are dark, the sound is very loud, there are tempting stairs and rails and they are expected to sit still and stay quiet”. 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 January 7th at 10am local time, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax will be screened as part of the Autism Society “Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings” program. 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.
Coming April 7: Pirates! Band of Misfits
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Editor’s note: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America for brief mild language. 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.
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