What is an Autism-Friendly Screening?

Looking to find out what autism-friendly screenings are and how they work? You’re in the right place. Autism-friendly cinema screenings are specially designed to create a relaxed and comfortable environment for people with autism and sensory sensitivities.

In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a screening autism-friendly, which UK cinemas offer these screenings, and how they make the cinema more accessible for all.

What is an Autism-Friendly Screening?

An autism-friendly screening is a special cinema showing designed to make the experience more comfortable for people with autism or other sensory sensitivities.

These screenings offer a more laid-back atmosphere by adjusting various elements of a typical cinema experience. Some of the main changes include:

• Dimmed lights: The room isn’t completely dark; instead, the lights stay on at a low level, making it easier for people to feel comfortable.
• Reduced sound: The sound levels are kept lower than usual to prevent overwhelming loud noises.
• No trailers or adverts: You go straight into the film without the typical build-up of trailers and ads.
• Freedom to move and make noise: It’s okay to move around, talk, or make noise during the screening. The environment is meant to be relaxed and judgement-free.

These screenings help ensure that everyone can enjoy a trip to the cinema without the anxiety that a standard showing might bring. They’re particularly helpful for families and carers looking for a more comfortable and supportive setting for a day out.

Which UK Cinemas Offer Autism-Friendly Screenings?

Many major cinema chains across the UK are now offering autism-friendly screenings on a regular basis these include:

• Odeon
• Vue
• Cineworld
• Picturehouse Cinemas
• Arc Cinemas

ODEON

ODEON was one of the first UK cinema chains to partner with Dimensions, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, to offer autism-friendly screenings. These screenings are held on one Sunday morning each month across more than 90 ODEON locations in the UK and Ireland.

The screenings feature dimmed lights, lower sound, and a relaxed atmosphere where movement and noise are welcome. ODEON’s goal is to help guests become more comfortable with the cinema environment.

Vue Cinemas

Vue Cinemas holds autism-friendly screenings on the last Sunday of every month at most of their locations. These screenings are sensory-friendly, with dimmed lighting, lower sound, and no adverts or trailers before the film starts. Vue makes sure that everyone attending feels welcome to move around and make noise if they need to.

Cineworld

Cineworld offers autism-friendly cinema screenings at over 100 of their locations. These take place on the first Sunday of each month at 11am. The screenings feature reduced sound levels, low lighting, and a relaxed environment.

Cineworld was one of the earliest adopters of autism-friendly showings and has been committed to them since 2012.

Picturehouse Cinemas

Picturehouse Cinemas provide autism-friendly screenings on the third Sunday of each month. These screenings are tailored for people with autism, learning disabilities, or other sensory sensitivities. The lights stay on low, the sound is reduced, and there are no trailers or adverts.

Picturehouse also hosts a selection of older family films at a reduced ticket price, making it a great affordable option for families.

Arc Cinemas

Arc Cinemas also offer sensory-friendly screenings, designed to cater to people with sensory sensitivities and their families. These screenings are adjusted to reduce the volume, keep the lights on low, and allow guests to move around freely. Arc Cinemas aim to create a supportive and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy a day out at the cinema.

Special Discounts for Disabled Guests and Their Carers

Going to the cinema can be made easier and more affordable for disabled guests and their carers with the CEA Card. This national scheme, set up by the UK Cinema Association, helps ensure that disabled people can enjoy more accessible cinema visits.

The CEA Card is widely accepted at major UK cinema chains like ODEON and Vue, as well as many other participating cinemas, making it easier for disabled guests to have a stress-free cinema experience.

What is the CEA Card?

The CEA Card allows disabled cinema-goers to bring a carer or companion with them for free. While the cardholder needs to buy a full-price ticket, their companion gets a complimentary ticket for the same film. The card is valid at most UK cinemas, including those offering autism-friendly screenings, making it a great way to enjoy the movies without added cost.

How to Apply for a CEA Card

To apply for a CEA Card, simply visit the CEA Card website and complete the application. You’ll need to provide proof of disability, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Attendance Allowance. Once your application is approved, your card will be valid for one year and can be used for as many cinema trips as you like during that time.

Overall

Autism-friendly screenings and the CEA Card are both excellent initiatives helping to make cinemas across the UK more inclusive. These adjustments ensure that everyone, regardless of their sensory needs or disabilities, can enjoy the magic of the movies.

Whether it’s through sensory-friendly adjustments or offering a complimentary ticket to carers, these changes are making cinema outings more accessible for all.

FAQs

What does an autism-friendly screening mean?

An autism-friendly screening is a specially adapted cinema showing designed for people with autism and sensory sensitivities. These screenings have adjustments like dimmed lights, lower sound levels, no adverts or trailers, and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests are free to move around, make noise, and take breaks during the film, creating a more comfortable experience.

What cinemas are autism-friendly for adults?

Many UK cinemas offer autism-friendly screenings for adults, not just children. ODEON, Vue, Cineworld, Picturehouse, and Arc Cinemas all provide regular screenings that are tailored for people with autism and other sensory sensitivities. These showings are open to people of all ages, making them suitable for adults as well.

Do Cineworld do autism-friendly screenings?

Yes, Cineworld offers autism-friendly cinema screenings at over 100 locations across the UK. These screenings take place on the first Sunday of each month at 11am. The environment is adapted with dimmed lights, lower sound, and a relaxed approach to movement and noise, making it more accessible for people with autism.

What is autism-friendly cinema?

Autism-friendly cinema refers to film screenings that are adjusted to cater to people with autism and sensory sensitivities. These screenings typically feature dimmed lighting, reduced sound levels, no trailers or adverts, and a relaxed environment where movement and noise are welcome. The goal is to make the cinema experience less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

What does “autism friendly” mean at ODEON?

At ODEON, “autism friendly” means the cinema environment is adjusted to be more accommodating for people with autism. This includes keeping the lights on at a low level, reducing the volume of the film, and skipping the usual adverts and trailers. Guests are free to move around and make noise, creating a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

What is an autism-friendly cinema showing?

An autism-friendly cinema showing is a special type of film screening that is adapted for people with autism and other sensory sensitivities. The lights are kept on low, the sound is reduced, and there are no trailers or adverts. Guests are welcome to move around and make noise, allowing for a more relaxed and comfortable experience.

What is a CEA card?

The CEA Card is a national card scheme that allows disabled guests at UK cinemas to bring a carer or companion for free. The cardholder must buy a full-price ticket for themselves, and their carer or companion can join them at no extra cost. This card is available to people who receive certain disability benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

What does a CEA card entitle you to?

A CEA Card entitles the cardholder to one complimentary ticket for a carer or companion when they attend a cinema. The cardholder will need to purchase a full-price ticket, but their companion can join them for free. This benefit applies to all types of screenings, including autism-friendly screenings.