The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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October 22, 2009

Sensory friendly: Theater offers special screening for local children with autism

By Scott Meeker

smeeker@joplinglobe.com

WEBB CITY, Mo. — The forecast carries a chance of meatballs raining from the sky. But there’s also a strong chance that parents of children with autism will be able to find an excellent environment for their family to enjoy a movie together.

At 4 p.m. Saturday, a special showing of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” will be offered at the Route 66 Movie Theater, 24 S. Main St.

Lisa Daugherty, the theater’s general manager, said she was approached with the idea by the mother of a child with autism.

“She had been to my theater before and had heard about (a similar program) and asked if I would be interested, and I said yes,” she said.

The event at the Webb City theater is modeled on the “Sensory Friendly Films” program offered by AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society. During the movie, lights will be brought up and the film’s sound will be turned down a bit.

“The loud noise (in a movie theater) can be overwhelming,” said Jennifer Long, clinical director for the Ozark Center for Autism in Joplin. “A sudden noise can be off-putting for them — a situation that starts off some fear, a tantrum or outburst.”

Having the lights up can help to “even the playing field” for children with autism, Long said.

“In general, a dark place with lots of people isn’t a place where the kids are used to being,” she said. “It could be overwhelming or scary for some kids.”

Families will also have the option of bringing their own gluten-free snacks to eat rather than the traditional popcorn and candy (which will still be available at the concession stand).

“Some kids are extremely picky eaters and some are on special diets,” Long said. “Both of those things can make it hard for some kids to eat out. The fact that (the theater) is allowing families to bring their own food is significant.”

Daugherty said that she’s hopeful that the event will be a success and can continue. She said that she is considering a screening of “Where the Wild Things Are” for the next one.

Long said she would also like to see it continue, as it provides “a level of acceptance” for families who might have trouble finding it elsewhere.

“It’s such a great idea,” she said. “I spoke with one parent who said that it will be the first movie her son has ever attended, and he’s 7. The uncertainty was too much for his family to take that chance.

“A lot of times, families who have a child with autism can feel alienated a bit from the community. It’s hard when their children act out in public. Events like this can help them feel part of the community, which is very important.”

Admission is $5 per person, with children 3 and younger admitted free.

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