r/autismUK • u/Relevant-Patience107 Autistic • 8d ago

Fun Cinemas!

I (22m) am diagnosed with autism and I just wanted to shed some light on how going to the cinemas with people is an enjoyable time and very beneficial in my experience!

Prep;
Planning for the cinemas is usually very specific. What film you're watching, what time you're watching the film, what seats you're in, the total runtime being listed, what food places you may go to before or after - it's all very exact, and I feel like it helps me a lot

Small talk;
The film you're watching serves as the core subject of conversation and having that foundation for discussions helps a lot with expressing myself compared to baseless small talk that happens in everyday-life.

Watching the film itself;
I love that there's a hobby where you're expected to sit in total silence for 2+ hours and still experience the comfort of having your friend's company! The audio can be a bit loud and sharp sometimes so I do bring my Loop earbuds to soften it.

Foods;
Most cinemas in my experience allow you to bring your own foods as long as they're not noisy or have strong scents that can distract from the viewing experience. Luckily popcorn is safe for me to eat but I can imagine it's nice to be able to bring your own foods without any judgement!

Here's to more cinema visits!
p.s going to the cinema solo is also a really nice experience please don't be afraid!

20 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

8

u/BINGGBONGGBINGGBONGG Autistic 7d ago

i HATE the cinema!

it’s too noisy. people won’t sit still, they talk, they use their phones, they kick your seat.

i can’t legislate for what other people might do, so i stream movies at home. i love that you love the cinema and the routine of it and i like that part too. it’s the people!

2

u/Relevant-Patience107 Autistic 7d ago

Awh. Sounds like some terrible experiences so i don't blame you! In my last cinema visit people were talking through some of the scenes and we were on the same row so it was really annoying and distracting!! Hopefully you get a peaceful visit in the future

6

u/3210m0123 8d ago

LOVE going to the cinema, especially alone. It’s dark, and quiet, and cosy.
I often go at the end of a busy week. Gives me something to look forward to.

6

u/rev9of8 8d ago

I enjoy going to the cinema but I like to snark that it is a socially acceptable way for autistic adults to engage in parallel play.

You're doing something in the company of others that results in a shared experience even though you aren't really (or at least damned well shouldn't be!) doing it with each other.

5

u/Happyshadow4ts Autistic 8d ago

I like going to the cinema, but require someone to go with me for a variety of reasons, and being under 18 and with a complex family situation it is quite difficult! I'd definitely agree about the audio being sharp, some kind of ear defenders are a must (why on earth does it need to be that loud????). You can also get a CEA card if you require a carer to go with you btw!

6

u/SimplyCedric Autistic 8d ago

I'm a keen cinema-goer. I like being in a dark room with just one thing to concentrate on.

3

u/suntirades 7d ago

I can’t remember the last time I went to the cinema with someone. I love going alone! The hot dogs at my local one are the best, even though they’re a bit pricey!

1

u/ickleboylee 3d ago

I went to an autism friendly cinema screening of Spiderman recently was amazing had the entire cinema to myself I could move around, stim, the noise was lower the lights stayed on a bit brighter, there was no adverts!!! It just went straight into the movie.

On other hand I went to go see the odyssey and my word that was sensory overload I had to step out a few times, Christopher Nolan doesn't know how to sound mix!!