Theater offers movie screening for children with autism

By Staff Writer

A movie theater in Utah is providing entertainment for autistic children by organizing movie nights exclusively for children with sensory problems and other developmental disabilities.

According to The Standard-Examiner, a movie theater in Layton, Utah has partnered with the Autism Society to show "sensory friendly films." To cater to autistic children, the movie auditoriums will keep their lights on and the sound of the film turned down during the screening.

Furthermore, families are encouraged to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. There are no previews or advertisements before the showing, and audience members are allowed to get up, walk around, dance, shout or sing during the movie, according to the news provider. Many children with autism do not understand the social boundaries of movie theater behavior, such as not talking or staying seated.

Autism Society's friendly films initiative, which began in 2008, has reached approximately 130 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The Layton theater has hosted six special screenings for autistic children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. have autism.