Autism friendly cinema screenings

[PheasantPlucker]

Hi all, I have just had a note home from dd1's school about some film screenings in SW London;

Weds 23 Dec 11am Brixton Ritzy, Polar Express

Tues 29 Dec 11am Greenwich Picturehouse Jumanji

Weds 30 Dec 11am Clapham Picture House Disney's Christmas Carol.

(I have been to Clapham PH in the past, it's a nice cinema, but I have not been to the others so don't know what they are like)

There is also an autism friendly theatre performance of James and the Giant Peach at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon on Dec 31st, but I don't know the time.

Hope this might be of interest to someone x

PS this isn't an ad! I don't work for any of these venues! Was just sharing info!

Greenwich picturehouse is lovely.

Thanks for this. I've tried DS at the cinema before and left with all of us in tears. Not good!I'll try to make Polar express and take a friend as reinforcement hehee

For the Scottish contingent the GFT in Glasgow has an autism friendly screening the first saturday of every month

www.gft.org.uk/content/default.asp?page=s75

Fantastic DWP - am glad it is of interest. Hope it goes well! I would have tried Clapham on 30/12 but we are off that day to stay with some friends until the New Year. Same applies to Polka.

Great news Glittery

Oh thats such a good idea! Had never considered it before..
I wonder if they do the screenings outside of London and how to find out about more local ones??

allaboutme - do you have a local indie cinema? If so might be worth writing a letter to them suggesting it.

Yes, I think I will thank you!

I think some Odeons might do screenings for children with SN too - Kingston used to, but dd1 moved schools so we don't get the info from them any more.

Can someone explain to me, seeing as I'm not so hot on the autism stuff, what and autism friendly screening is? And theatre performances??

I would assume it means you don't have to wince as your DC stands up / repeats every line/ starts making fire engine noises/ tries to steal someones sweets. And not sure, but possibly quieter sound and brighter lighting?

If anyone is in Berkshire, the vue in Reading does them, and Henley also does them.

lollipop, heres the blurb from the GFT site....

GFT has introduced monthly autism-friendly screenings. The film and the cinema environment are suitable for children with autism spectrum disorders and/or sensory hypersensitivity. The films have no subtitles, are played with the volume reduced and the house lights on low. Children can make noise and move around. Children with other disabilities are welcome to attend the screenings too.

I like the GFT description, but I think I prefer DWP's!!!

The Polka Theatre shows have subtle lighting remaining on in the audience too.

Hey Glittery-have you tried the autism friendly showings at GFT?

no, havent been but a few other mums i know from Ds's old nursery go regularly

we always go to cheap saturday morning kids screenings and get there before the lights go down, works for us
great info though, will pass on to the ladies I know

The community cinema in Crosby (Merseyside area) also offer ASD friendly screenings.