Sensory Friendly Movies

AMC theaters partners with Autism Society of America

Going to movies has been a past time in the United States for over a hundred years now. People love going, but if you have sensory processing needs you may not be able to handle the constraints. For kids with sensory processing needs the volume is often too loud, the previews too long and some kids cannot eat the snacks that are offered due to gluten free or other special diets. Kids with sensory needs as well often struggle to remain quiet during a movie and may struggle with sitting in their seats without moving for extended time.

AMC Theaters and the Autism Society of America set to change this a few years ago. They wanted to make movie viewing at the theater a positive experience for families and kids who have sensory processing needs including those kids with ASD. At participating theaters across the country they offer families the opportunity to watch one new movie a month with the lights on, lower volume, and relaxed rules for bringing in snacks and talking/moving around. In my neighborhood of the Minneapolis/St.Paul Metro area the participating AMC theaters are the Eden Prairie 18 AMC Theater and the Rosedale 14 AMC Theater. Here is a list of AMC theaters in other cities as well. Please also pass the word on! It is a wonderful idea.

Click here for the full list of AMC theaters who offer sensory friendly films