Autism friendly cinema screenings

250 cinemas are hosting dedicated autism friendly cinema screenings this month right across the UK in partnership with Dimensions, a national not-for-profit support provider for people with learning disabilities and autism. The complete listing of locations is in ‘notes to the editor’ below for ease of reference.

Cineworld cinemas show their autism friendly screening on the first Sunday of every month. Their next showing is Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 on Sunday 7th May at 11am.

Showcase cinemas show their autism friendly screening on the second Sunday of every month. Their next showing is The Boss Baby on Sunday 14th May at 10am.

ODEON cinemas show their autism friendly screening on a different Sunday each month/ This month they are showing: A Dog’s Purpose on Sunday 14th May at 10.15am.

ODEON cinemas also show an additional screening for older audiences one Monday a month. This month’s film is Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 (12a) on Monday 15th May at 6pm and it is showing at NINE cinemas listed in the ‘notes to the editor’ section below.

Vue cinemas show their autism friendly screening on the last Sunday of every month. Their next showing is TBC.

These partnerships allow Dimensions to advise on adjustments for people with autism and sensory differences to enjoy watching films in an environment conducive to their needs and for parents to enjoy the trip knowing they are in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Adjustments include the lights left on low, the volume turned down, no trailers and the freedom for visitors to move around freely within the cinema screen.

Dimensions began the project in August 2011 with just ODEON cinemas - since then the screenings have grown in popularity, welcoming around 300,000 visits to date. Cineworld, Vue and Showcase cinemas have also since joined the partnership.

Nick Barratt, Head of Behaviour Support at Dimensions said: “Autism friendly screenings are so important for both families and individuals who can feel excluded from the traditional cinema experience because they find the experience too stressful due to sensory overload.

“The screenings enable them to watch a wider variety of films, more frequently, in an environment conducive to their needs.

We have seen how successful such initiatives can be – so far we’ve had over 300,000 visits to local cinemas for an autism friendly screening. We are excited about the prospect of building upon that further.”

The initiative is part of a wider Dimensions campaign to create more autism friendly environments around the UK.

For more information and booking details, visit www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfilms