Parents of children who have autism, or who have a sensory processing disorder, may find it difficult to attend movies, plays, and other events. The sensory aspects that others find entertaining can be overwhelming for their child. Fortunately, an awareness of this difficulty has resulted in plenty of sensory friendly events. Here are a few that will take place in February of 2013.
February 3: Sensory Friendly Monsters, Inc. movie
Where: Cineworld cinema at Valley Centertainment in Sheffield, England.
When: 11:00 A.M.
What: Lighting will be kept on. The volume of the movie will be reduced. No advertisements or trailers will be shown. There will be no allocated seating. Customers are allowed to bring their own food.
Cost: Contact Cineworld for details.
February 3, 2013: Sensory Friendly Seussical musical.
Where: Union County Performing Arts Center in the Rahway Theater District in Rahway, New Jersey
When: Two shows, one at 11:00 A.M., and one at 3:00 P.M.
What: Lights will remain on. Sound volume will be lowered and remain constant to prevent abrupt jarring sounds. A limited number of tickets will be sold to maintain a comfortable audience size. Each performance will run for 60 minutes with an intermission. Children may talk and vocalize as they wish. Children can leave their seats (under parental supervision). There will be a private lounge area for families to relax in. Fidget and stress sensory toys will be available for kids to borrow. Professional Autism Specialists will be available.
Cost: Tickets cost $8.00.
February 10: Sensory Friendly The Sky Above
star show
Where: Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in North Branch, New Jersey
When: It starts at 4:30 P.M., and will end at 5:30 P.M..
What: Lights will be left dim (but not dark). Audio will be lowered and at a consistent level. Doors will remain open so children can come and go. The show will provide a “judgement free space”. The show will include music, videos, planets, the Moon, constellations, and laser lights.
Cost: $5.00 per person
February 15: Sensory Friendly Winnie The Pooh performance
Where: Adventure Theater Musical Theater Center in Rockville, Maryland
When: 2:00 P.M.
What: I am unable to find specific details about exactly how the performance will be sensory friendly. Contact the theater for details.
Cost: Tickets are $19.00 each. Everyone age 1 or older must purchase a ticket.
February 23: Sensory Friendly Escape from Planet Earth movie
Where: AMC Theaters – contact your local theater to see if they are participating.
When: Show times start at 10:00 A.M. (but are subject to change)
What: Lights will be turned up. Sound will be turned down. Audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing.
Cost: Contact your local AMC theater
Image by Becky Wetherington on Flickr