For a child with autism, going to the movie theater can often be an overwhelming experience. The pitch-black darkness, large flashing images, booming surround sound and the “silence is golden” rule are often too much to handle. As a result, many children with special needs don’t get to experience the pleasure of an outing to the movies.
Since 2015, ArtsQuest has made the silver screen accessible to children with autism through its free summer Sensory-Friendly Kids Film Series. During these special screenings at the ArtsQuest Center’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas in Bethlehem, the lights stay up, the sound goes down and there are no ads or previews to sit through. In fact, kids don’t have to sit at all; they’re free to walk around, talk or even sing if they like. Families can also bring their own snacks, which is especially important for kids on special diets.
“This is a location where kids can see a movie in a non-threatening environment,” says ArtsQuest Programming Director Ryan Hill. “It’s usually a very positive experience, not only for the children, but for their families. Everyone can relax and just enjoy the movie.”
About three and a half years ago ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Arts Council were looking at ways to involve the autistic community in the arts, when a family with an autistic child contacted Hill with the idea. The cinema staff ran test movies with several families to determine the best lighting and sound settings, and the program was launched. Hill says it took a while for it to catch on, but now grandparents, parents and other caregivers from across the Lehigh Valley come to the shows each summer.
“It’s wonderful to watch a movie in a judgment-free zone like this,” says the mother of a 6-year-old autistic girl who has attended the screenings. “People in the theater often mistake an autistic child’s inability to sit still as bad behavior. Sometimes they even make comments. Here, there is none of that.”
Another mother with two boys, a 7-year-old who is autistic and a 9-year-old who is not, says it’s difficult to find activities that both children can enjoy at the same time.
“When I read about this series, I was ecstatic,” she says. “This is an absolute godsend, and it’s free. We would have come even if I had to pay.”
At Sensory-Friendly Kids Film Series, there is more going on than just movie watching. In fact, a remarkable sense of community builds. During the showing of the film “Up” this past summer, one boy got upset and began to cry. A little girl who wanted to fix the situation left her seat, walked to where the boy was sitting and gave him a hug. He began calming down and soon was able to focus on the movie again. As everyone was leaving the theater, the boy’s mother thanked the little girl for the hug. She responded with a smile, and so did her mom.
“The mission of ArtsQuest is to provide access to the arts for everyone. I’m very proud to work in a place that is doing that for a highly underserved population,” says Hill. “This is incredibly worthwhile. As long as people come, we’ll be here.” Mark Demko
For more information about ArtsQuest’s free Sensory-Friendly Kids Film Series, contact Ryan Hill at rhill@artsquest.orgor visit www.steelstacks.org.
