Going to the cinema is an enjoyable experience for many of us, but can be overwhelming for autistic people, particularly the sensory aspects. Things like bright lights, loud noises and crowded spaces may put an autistic person off visiting the cinema, even if they love watching films.

Here are some tips on hosting autism-friendly screenings. This advice will be useful for helping your autistic customers at other times too. You might also find it useful to read our information on what is autism? 
 

What cinemas can do

• Liaise with other local cinemas so autism-friendly screenings are advertised on different days.
• Schedule screenings at the same time each month so people get to know when they are showing.
• For adult screenings, some people will only have a support worker during the day so you may get a larger audience in the early. afternoon rather than the evening.
• Arrange autism awareness sessions for staff.
• Provide a quiet chill out area with chairs (not in a public thoroughfare area) in case audience members need a break from the film. 
• Sound levels must be reduced and lights left on at a very low level so the screen is not in complete darkness. 
• Have clear signage to show which screen has the autism-friendly screening if there is more than one screen.
• When starting up, hold an open morning and invite people to the cinema so they can hear what the reduced sound level is and what the increased lighting level will be like. 
   

What staff can do 

• Start the film at the advertised time and make sure trailers are not shown in these screenings.
• Know where the chill out area is and what this area is for during autism-friendly screenings. 
• Know when an autism-friendly screening is taking place and be aware of the adjustments needed. 
• Attend an autism awareness session.
   

Practical suggestions 

Booking and arrival 

Some autistic people and families will happily book ahead of time but others may just arrive on the day and need help to get into the cinema. Have a member of staff available to provide help if needed. Some people may arrive feeling anxious and need time to calm down, so allow them or their parent or carer to address this before they enter the film screening area. 

Food and snacks 

Some autistic people may only eat certain food items so they may bring food with them as the food on sale would not be suitable. 

Use of mobile phones and portable electronic devices 

Please allow electronic devices in the cinema as some autistic people may use these to play games etc which helps them concentrate on the film, or calms them down. 

Letting people know about autism-friendly screenings 

Contact your local authority's adult social care department, local autistic adult service providers and local National Autistic Society branch about your autism-friendly screenings. They might like to share details with local families. 

Training 

Our Autism Access Specialists can offer training and consultancy on how to make your cinema autism friendly and what adjustments are needed for showings. You can contact us at autism.friendly@nas.org.uk. 
 

Your next steps

• Find out more about autism on our What is autism page.  

• Find out about achieving our Autism Friendly Award.