National Autism Awareness Month (Week Two)

The Counseling Corner

Every family should be allowed to attend the good old favorite pastime, the movies. Thanks to AMC and Marcus Theatres, children and adults living with autism and other special needs, have the ability to enjoy a movie night, too, with the availability of sensory friendly films.

AMC Theaters

AMC has partnered with the Autism Society to offer unique movies where lights are turned up and the sound is turned down, and allows those living with autism to get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. These efforts by AMC during sensory films make the children and their parents feel more comfortable in the theater. It is often difficult when children with special needs, like autism, are taken out of their familiar surroundings. Sometimes, this results in the children becoming stressed and may result in emotional outbursts and distress. In a crowd of people who may not understand children with autism and other special needs, this can result in stares of contempt. AMC’s accessibility of sensory films has offered the comfortable environmental for these children and parents. AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films are normally available on the 2nd and 4th Saturday (family friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. You are invited to take your family to see a Sensory Friendly Film at an AMC theater and then share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. The Sensory Films showing in April are:

• Ready Player One April 10, 2018
• Sherlock Gnomes April 14, 2018
• Rampage April 24, 2018

For more information on movie times, showings and locations in Wisconsin where AMC Theatres’ sensory films are being shown, visit: www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films. Marcus Theatres

Marcus Theatres

also makes available sensory films called Reel Movies for Real Needs. Upcoming Movies for Real Needs showing at Marcus Theatres include:

• Duck Duck Goose April 21
• Avengers: Infinity War April 28
• Solo: A Star Wars Story May 26
• Incredibles 2 June 16
• Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom June 23

For more information on movie times and showings for Marcus Theatres visit: www.marcustheatres.com/marcus-specials/sensoryspecificfilms/reel-movies-for-real-needs.

Next Week: Continuation

The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your medical doctor or health care provider. You are encouraged to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have concerning blood donation and your eligibility. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.