AMC Sensory Friendly Movies lineup for 2014
Last updated on September 21st, 2014 at 07:34 pm
Family outings are a great way to spend time with your kids – you build memories and bond over fun activities and events. But for many kids with special needs, the typical family outing involves all sorts of challenges and obstacles that can make the experience overwhelming and frightening. AMC and the Autism Society of America have joined forces to offer first-run family friendly movies in theaters across the country, giving families impacted by autism, sensory integration issues or other conditions a chance to bring their children into a comfortable, accepting setting once a month.
During the special screenings the house lights are kept on, which is a huge relief to anyone who is afraid the dark or who likes to wander without tripping. Speaking of wandering, audience members don’t have to sit still – they are free to pace, roam, rock or dance. Many special needs individuals are sensitive to loud sounds, so the sound is turned down during these shows. This can help ease the anxiety about whether the movie is going to suddenly jump up in volume – it won’t. Guests are also permitted to bring in outside snacks and drinks that align with any special dietary needs.
In addition to allowing families to have a day out together, the movies also give the kids a common experience with their typical peers. Since the films are first-run, chances are good that classmates have also seen it in the past few weeks. This gives some children the opportunity for social connection (wasn’t it funny when…I liked it when…). Even the characters on lunchboxes and t-shirts will be familiar to the special needs child, easing anxiety and helping them feel like they are part of the group instead of an outsider.
Each monthly screening takes place at 10am local time and the admission price is reduced. Here is the 2014 lineup:
- Saturday, January 25, 2014 – NUT JOB
- Saturday, February 15, 2014 – THE LEGO MOVIE
- Saturday, March 29, 2014 – MUPPETS MOST WANTED
- Saturday, April 19, 2014 – RIO 2
- Saturday, May 31, 2014 – MALEFICENT
- Saturday, June 21, 2014 – HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2
- Saturday, July 26, 2014 – PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE
- Saturday, September 27, 2014 – DOLPHIN TALE 2
- Saturday, October 25, 2014 – BOOK OF LIFE
- Saturday, November 29, 2014 – HOME 3-D
- Saturday, December 13, 2014 –PADDINGTON
Save me some popcorn!
Sensitive Screenings are gaining popularity across the country, and groups such as Music for Autism are now offering sensitive concerts. In England these are called “gentle” performances, which is a fitting name but I prefer “sensitive” since it better fits the audience.
What outings are available for special needs families in your area? Let me know!
On Saturday Dec 7th, FROZEN – 2D is Sensory Friendly
Last updated on September 21st, 2014 at 07:35 pm
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! 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”.
On Saturday October 5th at 10am local time, Frozen – 2D 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).
Check back for information on the January Sensory Friendly Film Screening – we will post it as soon as it becomes available
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Editor’s note: Although Frozen – 2D 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 action and mild, 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.
Tomorrow, AMC Sensory Friendly Films is Showing FREE BIRDS
Last updated on September 21st, 2014 at 07:35 pm
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! 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 Cloudy with Chance of Meatballs 2special needs and it can easily become cause for parental panic. But on this one day a month, for this Propecia 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”.
On Saturday October 5th at 10am local time, Free Birds 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 December 7th: Frozen 2-D
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Editor’s note: Although Free Birds 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 action/peril 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.
Halloween Costumes for Special Needs Kids
Last updated on October 10th, 2018 at 04:19 am
Little Carter has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, so his dad made him an amazing ice cream truck costume that incorporates the chair. Carter, as Buster’s Ice Cream, has gone viral on the internet thanks to his dad’s creativity and his adorableness.
Need some ideas for a special needs child in a wheelchair this Halloween? Check out my article from 2009. The Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation has some great ideas, including Fred Flintstone in his car, a drummer with a drum set, Cinderella in her coach, a flower garden and more. The bulldozer driver costume here is great, too.
Here are some more ideas from my own brainstorming session:
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The Lincoln Memorial
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A judge
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A toll booth operator
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A UPS driver
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For tweens and teens looking for something more edgy, try an electric chair victim
If your child uses a walker you can use that as part of the costume, too. A sushi chef, bartender, hot dog vendor, keyboard player or even Mr. Fredrickson from Up are just a few ideas (don’t forget the tennis balls!). Feeding tubes or other medical equipment can also be accomodated or camoflauged with some extra planning and creativity.
As you construct a costume or take a child out for Halloween, keep safety and comfort in mind:
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Use reflective material, glowsticks or lights
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Be sure masks or hoods allow the child to see well enough
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Keep hems short to avoid tripping
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Use soft materials and take the child’s sensory needs into consideration
Share your ideas in the comments! Add photos on my Facebook page.
Happy Halloween!
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.
UPDATE: Feb. Sensory Friendly Film is Journey 2: Mysterious Island
Last updated on February 14th, 2012 at 02:22 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 January 7th at 10am local time, Journey 2: the Mysterious Island 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 March 10: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
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Editor’s note: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association of America. 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.
