A sensory movie experience for people on the autism spectrum and their families achieved an Illawarra first in July.
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![Sensory: The Ratcliffe family were among 60 people who attended the first ever Care & Share for Autism movie screening in the Illawarra. Image supplied.
Sensory: The Ratcliffe family were among 60 people who attended the first ever Care & Share for Autism movie screening in the Illawarra. Image supplied.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/tSTP9QYGHQpn75NApSSxni/17615faa-e0f3-4a4f-924c-7be718ea0044.jpg/r0_71_3573_2683_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The first ever sensory screening for the Illawarra at Hoyts Warrawong was hosted by local charity Care & Share for Autism and featured the movie ‘Finding Dory’.
Care & Share president Jenn Ratcliffe, who has two sons on the autism spectrum, said more than 60 people of all ages attended and enjoyed the screening.
Lighting and sound modifications were done to cater for the specific needs of the audience. And people were encouraged to free to move around and make noise in a safe and understanding environment.
“Many parents commented how much they enjoyed it and how wonderful it was to be able to attend a movie with their family. For many it was something they had not previously experienced due to the social challenges and sensory issues that can be problematic in a regular screening,” Mrs Ratcliffe said.
Mrs Ratcliffe said all involved in Care & Share for Autism thanked Hoyts Warrawong for the providing such a unique opportunity. She said the comments posted on the charity’s Facebook page said it all.
Care & Share is now looking forward to partnering with Hoyts to provide families living with autism and sensory issues more big screen movie experiences.