ODEON is aware that going to a standard performance of a film can be a challenge for guests on the autism spectrum or with sensory or learning disabilities.

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility and to promote greater social inclusion, ODEON is delighted to host specially adapted Autism Friendly Screenings of new releases one Sunday morning each month. ODEON were the first cinema chain to partner with Dimensions (a not for profit organisation providing support services for people with learning disabilities) to offer nationwide Autism Friendly Screenings and we now have over 90 ODEON cinemas through-out the UK and Ireland participating every month.

The special performances have subtle changes to the cinema environment which mean that people who have sensory difficulties have a more positive experience than they would in a traditional cinema setting. Changes include:

• The lights being kept on at a low level

• Lower than usual sound levels

• No trailers or advertisements - just the film

• Allowance for increased levels of movement and noise

Our hope is that, as guests with sensory difficulties become more familiar with the cinema environment, at some point they will feel comfortable with attending standard screenings.

You can find out the details of the screenings at your local cinema simply select the “Autism Friendly Screenings” filter when viewing the performances at your cinema. If no performances are displayed, there may not be any Autism Friendly screenings that week – in that case you can contact our “Disability and Accessibility Helpline” who will be able to advise you further or ask in cinema.

For more information about Dimensions and the Autism Friendly Screenings please visit Dimensions (opens in new window). Alternatively you can reach them via Twitter (@DimensionsUK) or Facebook (dimensionsUK).