So yesterday was family day. When my partner is home from work we always spend Sunday doing something as a family and preferably, something outside the house. As I can only manage certain outings with all six kids alone, we take this opportunity to do things we can’t normally do.
Now for most of you going to he movies is just another fun outing that doesn’t take much thought or consideration. You go, pick a movie, but your tickets and head in for an hour and a half of relaxing entertainment.
Not so much when you have six kids, and four of them have ASD. Heading to the movies becomes a little bit of a challenge. Enter Sensory Movie Sessions. This is the best idea ever. It allows family with children who have special needs, not just ASD, but anything to come and enjoy the movies with no judgment and safe environment.
Every month on a Sunday, they show a different movie at our local theatre. I have since found out that this programme runs in cinemas all over Australia, so check your local movie guide. All movies are PG and the sessions run throughout the day.
We were lucky enough to find out about this brilliant programme the week they were showing Ferdinand. A movie I had wanted to take the kids to go and see but thought it was impossible. So with the promise of safe, relaxing movie experience, we decided to go check it out. If the worst happened and we had to leave, the bonus was that all tickets were only $6, so we wouldn’t have blown $100 if we didn’t make it through the whole movie.
The sessions really do accommodate everyone. The movie is played at a lower volume, so that those children who have noise sensitivity are not overwhelmed. The lights are dimmed but not turned off. They place volunteers at all the exits so that children can not leave without a parent and children are able to move around the theatre freely, a huge bonus for those of us with kids who can simply not sit still.
The non-judgmental attitude of everyone was so refreshing, I have tried to take my kids to the movies before with limited success and we just eventually stopped going as it was just to stressful for them and for me. This was the complete opposite. Everyone in the room was in the same boat and new how it felt to be judged and stared at. Not this time.
Once we selected our seats the kids all got up and danced and ran around while waiting for the movie to begin. They climbed the stares and played with the other kids, Master 5 spent at least 15 minutes rolling on the floor. All the while no one even blinked an eye, it was brilliant.
Once the movie started, to my surprise all the kids slowly made their way back to their seats and asked for their food, another bonus, we were allowed to bring in our own food, and thank goodness for that as my children don’t eat much of what they have on offer at the candy bar.
Halfway through the movie they did begin to get a little restless, they moved about and changed seats but none of them really disturbed anyone else. When there was music in the movie, heaps of kids got up to dance and jump, something that just does not sit well in an ordinary session, in this case the parents clapped and everyone cheered all the kids that joined in.
By the end of he movie all of mine were sitting on the stairwell in front of our seats. Still watching the movie calmly and having had a great time. As the movie was over and the lights came on the lovely lady who organises our local sessions invited all the kids outside to collect a free ballon, they had flowers and swords to match the movie.
The kids had a ball and it was he first time ever I have been able to take them successfully to a movie without either having to leave or duct tape one of them to their seats. There were no meltdowns and no stresses at all. It was the best Sunday outing we have had in a long time.
I am even confident that I can manage to take all of them next month when my partner is away, it was that well organised. Whoever came up with this is a bloody genius and I take my hat of to them.
I am finding more and more activities in our area that have special sessions just for children with special needs. It is a blessing to be able to participate in the simple things like going to a movie or a play centre and not having to worry about the safety or sanity of your children.
We will absolutely be doing this again, and any other activities I can find that cater to our special tribe of trouble makers.
As always, thanks for reading.
Image source:
Photo 1: Event Cinema FB Page.
Thank you for this post. I'll be looking for these sorts of movie sessions in the future! Inclusion is wonderful and I'm glad you all had a great time. :)
Thanks, inclusion is so important for kids who already struggle to feel “normal” as if there is such a thing!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I will go to their FB and check this out. I am in WA so i can go to Morley and Innaloo as per your photo. What a lovely place for my daughter as I am sure she will enjoy herself. So for adults accompanying a special child, we also pay $6.00 each??
Yes you have to pay for adults as well. But for $6 it was well worth it. I think you can get in for free if you have a carer card but I’m not sure you would have to check with your local movies.
It sounds excellent! I love the idea of being able to move around and sit where you please. The Little Man won't tolerate regular cinemas, but he may just tolerate this 😁 thanks for telling us about it!
Definitely give it a go. We even had Miss 1 playing and wandering around, they all loved it. Best thing I have discovered yet.
Its always a fun to watch such movies.....😊
Agreed!