This past Saturday morning, we trekked down to an AMC Theatre for their Sensory Friendly showing of Finding Dory (click here to find out when your local AMC theatre is hosting a Sensory Friendly Film). We arrived, found a seat, and were fine (for the most part–there was some running around for all but one preview) up until the movie began. When baby Dory made her way onto the screen, Oliver stood up and quickly wiggled his way past the stroller barricade that I crafted to contain him to the aisle. He ran down to the bottom area, near the screen. I chased after him and kneeled near the lowest seat, motioning for him to come back. He started dancing and running in circles and then, following a look of play, ran as fast as he could toward the other set of stairs and up them. I, for some reason, thought that I could reach him if I ran up my set of stairs and walked around the top. Movie going has been scarce throughout the past 2.5 years, so I must have forgotten that that isn’t the case. I watched him closely as I ran back down, noticing a look of distress when he didn’t recognise any of the faces in the packed full theatre room. With that being said, he ran back down; both of us reaching the bottom simultaneously. I scooped him up and we left. Seeing as how he can’t sit still for the life of him at home, I should have assumed that this would be the case in a loud, crowded room, as well. At least now I know that he is not ready for movie outings. I will try again in due time!
What do movie theatre trips look like for all of you?
Nurturing Oliver 
As an autistic adult, going to the movies isn’t a great experience. I only go to the movies that I think I will enjoy and always go with a safe person whether that be a friend or a family member. In my theatre I sit somewhere in the back half of the theater because the stimulation is less intense.
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Thanks for sharing! That’s what I was thinking, so I sat us as far back as possible. Good to hear that it is helpful for you to sit nearer the back, for future reference.
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I don’t take my son to the movies because he doesn’t watch tv at all at home. I am contemplating taking him to a baseball game, but worried I will have a similar experience you did.
Kudos for the attempt.
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Thanks! Best of luck to your attempts; I hope they’re successful.
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