AMC to forego ‘Silence is Golden’ policy for autistic audiences

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society of America (ASA) have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. “Sensory Friendly Films” premiered across the country in August 2008 and will continue Saturday, March 14 at 10am in the Los Angeles area with a special showing of the new film Race to Witch Mountain.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show.
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.
For a complete list of theatres, visit www.autism-society.org/sensoryfilms.

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