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Written by Nathan Fesmire, Teacher and Reading Specialist, Rivermont School Lynchburg South 

Taking kids to the movies or hosting a movie night represents an efficient investment for parents. They know that just a few steps guarantee roughly two hours of low-maintenance entertainment. Unfortunately, for kids with autism or who are extra sensitive to huge contrasts in light and sound, both the home and public movie theater can pose problems. Fortunately, two simple steps can make the movies accessible for all kids. 

Turn up the lights 

A bright screen in the middle of a dark room can create issues for kids with sensory needs. By turning up the lights a little, the contrast becomes more muted, creating less strain on the senses. A brighter room also mitigates concerns over kids who may still feel anxious in very dark rooms. 

Turn down the noise 

Blasting the home surround sound as a superhero blows up the enemy lair makes sense. But it’s distracting and unnecessary when the little lost pony reunites with his best friend. Reducing the volume on the tv or headphones makes the movie noise more manageable and less grating to people who are especially sensitive to loud noises. It’s also a good habit even for people who aren’t sensitive to noise. We’ve all heard the stories of people who blasted music as kids only to report later in life those decisions contributed to early hearing loss. 

Find sensory-friendly theaters/times 

If your home set-up makes it difficult or impossible to adjust the light and noise accordingly and/or you want to give your child the experience of going to the movies, many theaters have designated days and times for sensory-friendly screenings, during which they will adjust the light and volume to be more friendly to individuals with extra sensitivity. Contact or research your local theater to see what sensory-friendly screenings they have available as well as the measures they take for these screenings. 

By making a few simple changes or finding the right theater, families can easily accommodate sensory needs when planning the next movie night.