One of the most cherished memories you can have with your kids are those lazy Saturday nights when the whole family gets together to pile in the blankets, break out the popcorn bowls, and settle in with a favourite movie. Movie nights are a fun and relaxing way to spend time together, but for individuals with autism, certain aspects of the experience—such as loud sounds, bright lights, and crowded spaces—can be overwhelming. By taking the time to make a few careful adjustments, it’s possible to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience that caters to the particular sensory needs of your child.

Here are ten tips for hosting a movie night for children with autism in Toronto.

1. Choose The Right Movie

The last thing that you want is your child to get scared during the movie. So be sure to select the right film. Think of what could trigger sensory overload and avoid movies with sudden loud noises, intense action sequences, or flashing lights. Make Disney your mainstay as much as you can. Or else, think of some animated films with pleasant storylines. Another good option are nature documentaries. Even if you have seen Frozen a thousand times, those familiar favourites can provide comfort. Be sure to let your child have a say in choosing the movie to ensure it aligns with their preferences.

2. Provide Flexible Seating Options

Asking a child to sit still for hours is a big ask. When that child has neurodivergence, it becomes even trickier. Comfort is key, so offer a variety of seating choices. Think of the most relaxing places to sit that you can. Bean bags, floor cushions, rocking chairs, or even small tents can provide a sense of security. Don’t put any undo pressure on your child. Let them sit where they want. Some kids may prefer to sit alone, while others may enjoy snuggling with a weighted blanket. Allow them to move around as needed without disrupting the experience.

3. Adjust The Lighting

You want to be immersed in the experience without jarring the senses. Loud noises and bright, flickering lights can be overstimulating for a child with autism. Dim the room to a comfortable level, but keep some soft lighting available, such as lamps or string lights. This can help those who may feel anxious in complete darkness. Another option is watching outdoors. A sunset screening can be fun and it helps to avoid the harsh transition from daylight to dark.

4. Control The Volume

As wild as Jurassic Park may sound in the theatre, the intense booming sound of the cinema can be overwhelming for a child with autism at home. Loud noises can be simply too much for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Have the volume control devices always close at hand. Just as a rule of thumb, keep the volume at a lower level and have wireless headphones or noise-canceling earmuffs at the ready. This empowers your child to control their own audio experience. Some parents find that it is better to use subtitles to make dialogue easier to follow.

5. Create A Sensory-Friendly Space

Sometimes a movie can be so overwhelming with emotion and dramatic energy that you just need to take a break for a little while. Give your child this flexibility. Designate a quiet retreat area where they can take five if they feel overwhelmed. At Monarch House, we have a few designated spaces like this with soft seating, noise-reducing elements, and fidget toys or stress balls. Make sure your child knows they can take a break anytime without feeling pressured to stay in the main viewing area.

6. Offer Safe And Familiar Snacks

If you are going to be inviting some of your child’s friends over as well, it’s important to consider that many individuals with autism have dietary preferences or sensitivities. Think ahead to what each kid might like, or simply ask their parents for a shopping list before you begin. Offer a range of familiar, non-messy snacks such as popcorn, fruit slices, crackers, or yogurt. It might not be the best night to make a curry or stew. As well as you can, avoid foods with strong smells or textures that might be overwhelming. 

7. Keep A Predictable Schedule

As you probably know all too well, when it comes to a child with autism, unexpected changes can cause anxiety. When you are organized, they feel more at ease. Outline the evening’s schedule in advance, including when the movie will start, when there will be breaks, and when it will end. A visual schedule or checklist can help your child feel more comfortable by providing a clear structure.

8. Allow Movement And Stimming

Give your child the freedom to rock, or engage in self-soothing behaviours (stimming) during the movie. If you have other children with autism in attendance, make it a judgment-free space where they can express themselves comfortably without fear of disruption. Give them lots of legroom and maybe even create an area with space to walk around without blocking the screen.

9. Minimize Background Noise

Just like they’ll say in the theatre: leave the phone alone. Indistinct chatter, ringing phones, or other distractions can make it difficult for your child to focus. Before the movie begins, put phones on silent, and encourage a quiet environment by turning off unnecessary electronics. Ask the others in attendance to keep their conversations low. If watching at home, close windows to block out outside noise.

10. Respect Individual Needs

You’re going to have a room full of fussy little people, so take a breath and remind yourself that this is supposed to be a fun, relaxing experience. To make this happen, you are going to need to respect each guest’s unique sensory and social needs. Ask their parents ahead of time if there are any accommodations that would make the experience more enjoyable. Some individuals may want to leave early, sit in a specific spot, or bring a comfort item. Being flexible and understanding will ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

To completely immerse yourself in a movie, you don’t want anything distracting going on. Still, warmth, silence, satiation, comfort, and darkness is what a serious movie-going audience provides. You should strive for this in your home as well (with even more comfort available through blankets and pillows). Hosting a movie night for your child with autism (and maybe their friends as well)  requires a little bit of extra planning, but attention to those little details will make it all worthwhile. Beyond the regular needs of children, most of the changes that will be required are just simple adjustments—such as providing flexible seating, lowering the volume, and allowing movement and lots of breaks. Then there’s the snacks. Snacks are always good. By being mindful of the sensory sensitivities of your little guy, you can create an inclusive and enjoyable event for everyone. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help with suggestions and whatever planning we can do in advance of the event. The goal is to foster a comfortable, safe space where your child with autism can fully enjoy the magic of the experience.