A mother and daughter take their young daughter to a movie. It was a matinee with their favorite actor. However, during the movie, Meaghan started to flap her hands, twirl around, and jump up and down. The other movie-goers noticed and complained, so the theater manager asked them to leave.
Create a quiet zone
Creating a quiet zone is an important part of planning a sensory friendly screening. The quiet zone can provide a respite from the crowds and can allow the audience time to decompress. It can also be helpful to provide items for children who are sensitive to noise, such as noise-canceling headphones.
Many venues have started to provide sensory-friendly opportunities to families with children. The Dallas State Fair, for example, recently started offering Sensory Friendly Mornings, a three-hour period when the lights are turned down and there are designated quiet zones. These programs have spread to other entertainment venues. Major League Baseball teams are even experimenting with sensory-friendly evenings. This could include adjusting the sound level, providing a chill-out space, or even offering free tickets to families with children with special needs.
Reduce noise
Using sensory friendly movie screenings can change the overall experience of a movie. These screenings are designed to decrease noise levels and provide an auditory, visual, and tactile experience for all moviegoers. However, this type of screening is not available in every theater. It is important to look for options that are suitable for your particular needs.
The first step is to plan the screening ahead of time. In planning, try to make a schedule so that there are no conflicts. For example, you may want to schedule a time when there is no commercial break. If it’s a family outing, you can arrange a quieter time. The audience may feel a bit uncomfortable, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Create a calm environment
When you want to attract more sensory-sensitive moviegoers, you’ll need to find ways to create a calm environment. A sensory-friendly screening is an excellent way to do this. It helps those with autism and other special needs see films together. A movie theater’s environment is a vital part of ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable experience for everyone.
The first step to creating a sensory-friendly environment is to eliminate any distracting noise. Background music and bar code scanners can be distracting and cause sensory overload. To eliminate the distracting sounds, consider installing headphones and noise-cancelling headphones. Many sensory-sensitive children and seniors appreciate such a quiet environment.
Create a quiet zone in your home
Many venues offer sensory-friendly screenings and events to accommodate those with special needs. These events usually include lower volumes, fewer people, and special lighting. To ensure a positive experience, you can sign up to receive these announcements by email. Then, when sensory-friendly screenings come back around, you’ll know where to go to find a quiet area.
When you create a sensory space, you’re giving your child a place to decompress. The sensory space doesn’t have to be a whole room, but it should be a quiet area that’s free from interruptions like television, toilet flushing, and windows. The lighting should be controlled, too, since this will enhance the sensory experience.
Create a calm environment in your home
If you or your child suffers from sensory processing disorder (SPD), you’ll want to create a calm environment in your home. If your child can’t handle loud noises, lights, and other visual stimuli, you can use techniques such as counting to ten, walking away, or listening to music. You can also talk to your child and provide sensory toys to help them feel safe and calm.
Sensory spaces don’t have to be large rooms, but they should be an isolated, quiet space away from distractions like televisions, windows, and toilet flushes. It’s also helpful to have special lighting that enhances the experience.
