Sensory Films Score One for Autistic Kids; Adults and Others Ignored Again

by Dora Raymaker · 2009-02-27 16:00:00 UTC
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six slightly different industrial ear muffs strung on a clothes line, a number of unidentifiable aerosol bottles in the backgroundIt's with very mixed feelings that I read articles like Movie magic for autistic children. The Autism Society of America is doing "sensory films" nation wide, where the sound is turned down (yay!) and the lights are (why this item is sensory friendly I'm not sure--seems the opposite to me) turned up. And stimming in the aisles is allowed. Groovy.

Movies have gotten increasingly loud in the U.S. (perhaps elsewhere too?). When I was a kid and even a young adult, the sound-discomfort was there but bearable for a good film. Recently if I get to the theatre and realize I've forgotten my Peltor Optime III industrial strength muffs I turn around and go home. No movie is worth sound-induced catatonia. That's decidedly not entertainment.

So, truly, I would adore sensory friendly films with the volume somewhere nearer the tolerable range (though I could well do without the "it's OK to shout and talk" bit yikes!). And so would a bunch of people I know who aren't on the spectrum but still find today's theaters unbearably loud. I have checked my observation on the increased loudness of films with others and it's not just me getting cranky with age. Like most accommodations, quieter films would likely appeal to a larger population than just those whose disability it targets.

But, of course, these "sensory films" are all for children. Because adults may not have sensory issues? Because adults don't capture the public's heart-strings? Because no one is representing the interests of adults in the development of these programs? Because--why? Who knows, but it's there again.

I might appear childlike at times, but I am definitely no longer enthralled by Disney kids' flicks. Maybe one or two when I'm sick with the flu, but how about a nice sensory friendly Watchmen, eh?

(And while we're on the topic of accessible movies for all ages, what about better options for captioned films?)

photo credit Scott Beale / Laughing Squid

Dora Raymaker
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