Autistic Friendly Cinema Screenings

We all love going to the cinema over the weekend. It's a great time to escape from the cold, dull and drab weather and go to places we would only dream of! 

But with cinemas comes problems for Autistic and Aspergers people, if it's not noisy people and crowds, it's the lights and the sound as well as the 15 minutes you sit watching trailers before you even get to see the film you've paid over a fiver for!! 

Well there is good news!

Over 250 cinemas in the UK have Autistic Friendly Screenings available for you to go and see without all of the problems that you might face at a regular screening. 
What is Autistic Friendly Screening?

  • When you enter the cinema the lights will be turned down low. 
  • The volume of the film will be turned down.
  • There will be no trailers at the beginning of the film. 
  • You'll be able to take your own food and drink into the screening! 
  • You'll be able to move around the cinema if you like! 
There is a technical clause to the last one as it does say that you shouldn't run in the cinema and Children should be supervised at all times. 

Where can I go to access Autistic Friendly Screenings? I hear you cry! 

There are four major cinemas in the UK that you can access the Autistic Friendly Screenings. 

They are: 

Vue Cinema do on their website have a list of films that are Autistic only screenings. Looking at the films they are all aimed at children with BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) ratings of U and PG. 

You can easily find the Autistic Friendly Screening section on the website which is brilliant for parents and children alike! 


I have looked on the ODEON website and haven't been able to find the autistic friendly screening section on their website. 

In this case I would ring your local cinema and ask about Autistic Friendly Screenings with the films available with Autistic Friendly Screening and on what day and times as well as what films are showing. 

Again with Cineworld searching for Autistic Friendly Screenings is difficult. I only found the films on offer by using the search bar on their website. 
So like the ODEON above I would ring your local cinema for more information on screening dates and times as well as what films are on showing. 

Showcase are good with easy access to find Autistic Friendly Screenings. They also are very clear on the time of the Screening and what films are on offer. 
The latest one is Sunday 29th March at 10am to see the film Home. Or Sunday 12th April to see Cinderella. 

Top Tips: 

  • Like I have noted above - if you can't find the Autistic Friendly Screenings on the cinema website then it is worth giving them a ring to find out more. 
  • Make sure you know when the screening times and dates are. Unlike normal cinema screenings there are certain days that AFS will be available. 
  • Check ticket prices before you book. You can book online and get a full price list. 
  • Enjoy the FILM!!!!!! 
I really hope that cinemas will apply more Autistic Friendly Screenings for films over a classification of PG as I find it stressful to go and see a film! 

For further Information and how to book go to :


http://www.dimensions-uk.org/support-services/autism-care/autism-friendly-screenings/



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