December 4, 2008

Special opportunity for families with autism

AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA 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.

“Sensory Friendly Films” premiered across the country in August and continues Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. with a special showing of the new film “Bolt.”

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.

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.

Tickets are $6 at the AMC Cupertino Square 16 and the AMC Mercado 20, and can be purchased on the day of the event.

An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder; 1.5 million in America alone. Though there is no cure; autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential.