Autism/sensory friendly movie this Saturday Sept 20th!

[Guest guest]

---------- Forwarded Message ----------Dear Friends of ASGC:

We are proud to present the following event sponsored by the ASA and AMC entertainment: Autism Society of America and AMC Entertainment® Host Sensory Friendly Films WHAT: AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to begin testing a pilot program to bring families affected by autism a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.

“Sensory Friendly Films” are premiering across the country with a special showing of the new release IGOR. Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. It often comes with sensory challenges, such as hypersensitivity to light or sound, and children or adults affected by autism may not understand the social boundaries of movie theatre etiquette, such as not talking during the film or sitting still through most of the show. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing – in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

Tickets are only $4.25 at the AMC Ridge Park Square 8 and can be purchased on the day of the event.

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2008 10:00 AM

WHERE: AMC Ridge Park Square 8 4788 Ridge Rd. Brooklyn, OH 44144-3327

Sensory Friendly Films started across the country in August. Other markets include Austin, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; Columbia, S.C.; Indianapolis; Kansas City; Norfolk, Va.; Phoenix; San Diego; and Washington, D.C. For a complete list of theatres, please visit www.autism-society. org.

WHY: An estimated 30 million people in the world have an autism spectrum disorder, 1.5 million in America alone. Every day in America, 60 families learn their child has autism. These families face challenges of care, support, education, financial hardship and medical and health care issues that make autism a national public health issue, costing the US economy $90 billion a year. Though there is no cure, autism is treatable and individuals with autism have tremendous potential. About Autism:Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

About ASA:ASA, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. For more information, visit www.autism-society. org.

Should you have any questions, please contact the ASGC at (216) 556-4937 or supportasgc (DOT) org. Thank you.

Eileen HawkinsAdministratorThe Autism Society of Greater Cleveland