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Parenting

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AUTISM & Cinema

9 replies

Pashmina67 · 13/07/2026 23:24

My beautiful just 6 years with autism, he non verbal so he does things like pull your hand to take you where he wants to usually kitchen for snack ( his whole diet is prepared to meet his needs, if he has anything with sugar or e numbers then energy sky rockets. At walthham forest the cinema stated special (autism friendly showing) We walked into screen 4 which was off, and he started making noise, my grandson was trying to comfort, he threw his self and bangs his head in the floor, all of a sudden blasting loudly the screen lit up was an advert well we had to leave, BUT not before I spoke to manager, I said the space lighting and loud opening scene was so poor, can any one advice anywhere in london we can take him where the company has got insite into autistic children, a lot of these places tick boxes get funded by councils, any advise would be good, its so sad as he has all the toy story models, my poor son was bit 2 his glasses ripped of his face, I've never seen him react like that, the minute we got him out it stopped. I said it was too dark the screen not aircon. I really want him to experience what every other 6 year old.
His loving nanny

OP posts:
fashionqueen0123 · 13/07/2026 23:25

I would take ear defenders. Usually the lighting isn’t as dark

Pashmina67 · 13/07/2026 23:36

Thanks he pulled them off during the melt down

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 14/07/2026 00:10

Was that definitely the autism friendly showing because usually the lights are set to low (not completely dark) and they don't have adverts.
My daughter at age 4 freaked out at the cinema (she is autistic but it wasn't diagnosed then).
We basically got her back into going to the cinema by explaining every step of what happens.
The loud adverts, the lights going off completely, other people moving around etc.
It took a couple of years before she wanted to go again.

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ExplodingSmittens · 14/07/2026 07:21

I think of he’s had such a strong meltdown I would leave going to the cinema for now. I can remember thinking that my DC2 should be doing things like going to the cinema and actually they were much happier just being at home most of the time.

OneBrickBalonz · 14/07/2026 09:11

ExplodingSmittens · 14/07/2026 07:21

I think of he’s had such a strong meltdown I would leave going to the cinema for now. I can remember thinking that my DC2 should be doing things like going to the cinema and actually they were much happier just being at home most of the time.

This.

BetweenTheThoughts · 14/07/2026 16:09

It sounds as though the sudden noise and darkness were simply too overwhelming for him, and it's understandable that you all found it upsetting.
It may be worth contacting venues beforehand to ask exactly what adjustments they make, as "autism-friendly" can vary a lot.
Some cinemas keep the lights on a little, reduce the volume throughout, and avoid adverts and trailers, which can make a big difference.

IronEverything · 14/07/2026 16:13

Why are you so desperate to take him into an environment that isn't at all suitable for him?

Can't you give him a lovely experience watching toy story at home when it's out to stream at home? I can't see the sense in putting him through that when he's not going to enjoy it in the slightest.

cestlavielife · 14/07/2026 16:17

See if there any outdoor screenings?
Wait for it to come out on home streaming?
It s not working for him

WajeehaKamran2 · 14/07/2026 16:50

Oh, this really made me feel for you. It sounds as though your grandson was simply overwhelmed, and it must have been heartbreaking to watch when you'd gone hoping he could enjoy something he loves. Please don't let this one experience put you off trying again. I hope someone can recommend a cinema that's genuinely autism-friendly, because your little grandson deserves the chance to enjoy Toy Story in a way that feels safe and comfortable for him.

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