Taking DS (asd) to the cinema....

[genieinabottle]

Hi,

DS is 4.7 y.old and has never been as yet at the cinema. He is at a stage where i think the actual sitting down and being quiet while watching the film can be managed pretty well and i reckon he would actually enjoy it.

But i see two problems. One, the volume level is likely to upset him, i imagine DS sitting there with his hands over his ears in a panic!
Second, the darkness might worry him and he possibly could kick off because of that.

ATM, he keeps going on and onnnn about Shrek4, he has seen a poster for it and keeps asking to go to the shop and get the dvd. I have tried explaining to him that it's only at the cinema. But he doesn't grasp what i'm saying.
So going to the cinema to watch Shrek would be the ideal opportunity...

I have thought a pair of old-style headphones (walkman style) might help.
Anyone knows where i could get some? Or any ideas that could help welcome.

Thanks.

Where do you live, genie?

Some cities have 'ASD-friendly' film screenings (yes, really!)

Glasgow Film Theatre does them - see here

Picturehouse cinemas do them in London - see here

Maybe worth googling in your area?

They sometimes have lower volume levels and even if not, other families are likely to be supportive and understanding if your child doesn't cope well with the environment at first.

We are in Hampshire. Will look that up. Cheers for the tip.

we've been to ASD screenings in a couple of places - they say they keep the house lights up & reduce the volume but not enough to be noticeable imo. If your ds has issues with volume it is worth bearing in mind that it is still very loud.

On the plus side no-one minds if your dc decides to do a runner or is noisy etc.

we always get there before ligths go down, and slowly they get used to the darkness. You could buy ear defenders maybe

DD used to wear ear muffs -looked great in summer! We also sit on the end if the row,at the back, so dd can go outside if she needs to.

Also,if you sit in the end of a row, will the little lights on the floor help your ds with his fear of the darkness?

Peltor ear defenders. You get them via Ebay.

(I feel like I only ever post on the SN threads to shout PELTOR EAR DEFENDERS but I lurk here a lot and gain a lot from the expertise of all you fab ladies )

My 4 year old DD went for the first time a few months ago, went where you can get a sofa, so she could cuddle up to daddy, told the usher incase of a meltdown. She has a hearing sensativity but the distraction of popcorn and UP seemed to work a treat. We took ear muffs just incase!

Went to Shrek last week when England were playing...cinema was almost empty! Did great with 3 cousins, me and Grandma. Only had an issue in the loo with a hand dryer!

Didnt know about ASD screenings! Will look into that too!

Thanks for replies.

Would he still be able to hear the 'talking' of the film though with ear defenders on?
(Sorry if my question seems silly) i 've never actually seen ear defenders... i mean wouldn't they block out too much of the sound?

Thanks.

I believe they just block out background noise.