Sensory Friendly Entertainment for #Autism Families!

I love learning from other people. So, when I checked my email and social media upon waking this morning, I was excited! I found some great ideas out there that I just have to share.

First, and always exciting, my Tweet and FB post sharing Autism Speaks' new page answering the question "What is Autism?" was shared as a headline in The Spectrum Mom Daily! Thank you, Susan, for sharing what I found. :) I think the Autism Speaks page and your paper are great resources to share.

Also in Susan's paper, I found the following 2 articles:
AMC's Sensory Friendly Films --

AMC Theatres (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis with the "Sensory Friendly Films" program. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Theatre Development Fund's Autism-Friendly Performance of The Lion King Sells Out --

"We're gratified to have tapped into this community of families who are hungry for access to the performing arts, which is evident in the speed in which the upcoming performance sold out," said Lisa Carling, TDF's director of accessibility programs, in a statement. "Not only does an autism-friendly performance introduce the world of theatre to the person on the autism spectrum, but it allows a family to experience it together in a supportive environment with no judgments."

The article lists the AMC locations that are participating, and their next moving is coming up July 21. This setting is important to families on the spectrum. Our kids can't always contain their talking and make comments and responses without thinking. Also, dark rooms and loud environments make things uncomfortable and makes other sensory issues worse. My son can't focus when there are food smells around that he can't have, so being able to bring gluten-free snacks would help. I know that we tend to not go out to movies, plays, sporting events, and other crowded areas because the energy required to accommodate our kids is taxing. I'm hoping and praying that more venues will hop on this trend!

Blessings in your Adventure...