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How to cope with sensory integration at the movie theater for your special need kids
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Historic Augusta Movie Theater
Do your children with special needs enjoy going to the movies? It is often a somewhat traumatic experience, yet the joys of modern day entertainment on the big screen are enough to entice you kids into the theater.
Here are common reasons a child will have trouble in a modern day movie theater.
Sound levels - With the new digital sound offered in many theaters, the film's noise level is worthy of a good pair of ear plugs for even those of who hear normally. But, for someone with super sensitive hearing, that noise level is enough to hurt them or drive them insane in a really short amount of time.
Seat sizes - For a kid, many theaters are built for larger people. Not just adults, but larger adults. A typical kid might be uncomfortable in one of these seats, but for a child with a physical disability, it may be that much harder to sit without pain or discomfort through a one to two hour movie.
Seat materials - Ever sat on a seat in an air conditioned theater and got right back up? When seats are made with vinyl or leather like materials, that seat can be very cold to sensitive skin in an air conditioned theater. On the other hand a fabric material can be scratchy, or rough too.
Dark rooms - Many children are afraid of the dark. Add lots of loud noises or sudden suspensfull moments during a movie, and that large dark room becomes very scary.
Strong lighting - Movie screens are big! Sitting too close can be overwhelming and cause neck pain from looking up too much. The bright lights from the screen in a dark theater room can be too much to look at, so if you find your child looking down at their lap, don't be suprised.
Strange people - A lot of kids are wary of strangers, but add to it that they might end up in close proximity to a stranger and it becomes a new level of worry. For kids who are bothered by smells, a fellow movie watcher might have on strong perfume or Cologne, or even worse, body odor.
Crowds - Perhaps crowds bother you too? A child might wonder "How do I get to the door if I need to when everyone else will be running for it as well?" Too much chatter causes a level of noise that many don't even notice, but those with auditory sensitivity can be bothered by that and not even recognize it.
So, what is a parent or caregiver to do about these issues? For one thing, plan ahead. Don't count on a theater providing the exact same conditions that it did the last time you visited. Take a bag along with the following things.
Favorite blanket or sheet - Use this to cover a chair if the material is uncomfortable to sit on or to cover with if the theater is cold.
Ear plugs or muffs - Use this to block out or quiet the noise levels both before the movie (from crowd chatter), and during the movie if the speakers are too loud.
A small flashlight - If your child decides he or she needs to leave the theater before the lights come up, use the flashlight to safely get out, but please keep it pointed at the floor.
You can always call ahead or speak with a manager about what times are generally slower or what days of the week have less crowds. This will give you the opportunity to pick seating away from large groups of people and in a spot that is a comfortable distance from the screen.
Wichita area theaters that the author recommends:
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