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    Going to the movies is a great idea, but
    sometimes can be challenging. Here are some
    good tips in making the experience enjoyable
    for everyone.

    Out and About – at the Movies

    A Blueprint
    Jill Hudson and Amy Bixler Coffin, in their
    book Out and About: Preparing Children with
    Autism Spectrum Disorders to Participate in
    Their Communities, offer an easy-to use
    Blueprint for parents taking their children on
    a community outing or for educators preparing
    a field trip.

    The Blueprint offers 11 tools to consider for
    these outings. Below, they have been adapted
    for a trip to the movies.

    1. Waiting plan. Waiting is a part of every
    activity and many children will need some
    support to wait. For example, if the child is
    waiting in line to buy popcorn, a wait card or a
    simple fidget might make the waiting easier.

    2. Communication. For the child who requires
    support to communicate, his communication
    system needs to travel with him. His
    communication device may include special icons
    that will allow him to request popcorn or make
    comments about the movie. More verbal
    children may require prompting to order
    something from the concession stand.

    3. Social. An important part of any outing is
    the social interaction. To make the most of the
    outing, the child may need to role-play what it
    is like to go to the movie or read a social
    narrative about what will happen in the movie
    theater. The child may also need a script to
    ask peers what they liked about the movie.

    4. Visual. Visual supports help to make an
    outing a success. A “first … then …” card, a list
    of what the child will do at the movie, or a
    wait card can help clarify the order of events
    or expectations.

    5. Hidden curriculum. Consider what
    “unwritten rules” are necessary for the child
    to know at the movie theater. For example, at
    the movies children can eat their own popcorn
    and perhaps their parents’ popcorn, but they
    are not
    permitted to eat the popcorn that belongs to
    other families.

    6. Sensory. Many children become
    overwhelmed by noise or lights. The child
    attending a movie might need earplugs or
    sunglasses to minimize sensory input. In
    addition, the child may need a favorite blanket
    or small toy to feel
    comfortable in a new environment.

    7. Motivation. Sometimes outside motivators
    or reinforcers are needed to helpthe child
    complete activities. Offering a small
    reinforcer during the activity or
    after the activity can urge a reluctant child to
    try something new.

    8. Behavior. Are any behavior supports needed
    to help the child experience success during the
    movie? Before an outing, consider taking a
    voice volume card and making a plan of action
    for if the child becomes anxious. For the
    AMC-ASA Sensory Friendly Films, there will
    be a space available for children to de-stress.
    If anxiety or other behaviors are of concern,
    having this information is invaluable.

    9. Transition. Transition supports help the
    child move from place to place – from the
    concession stand to the theater or from the
    bathroom to the car. Picture cards or scripts
    can be helpful during transitions.

    10. Siblings or other students. Are any special
    plans or considerations needed for other
    children during the outing? For example, if the
    child with autism becomes anxious and needs to
    leave the theatre briefly to calm, will the
    sibling remain in the theater or accompany his
    brother who is feeling stressed?

    11. Rewind. This tool allows for review
    following the movie or other event. Rewind can
    be used to celebrate the family’s success or
    revisit the plan to ensure that supports are
    added, as needed.

    The Out and About Blueprint is an option for
    parents who are planning an outing for their
    family that could become. It takes into
    consideration the needs of the individual in a
    simple yet comprehensive format.

    For more information about the Out and About
    Blueprint, visit the Autism Asperger
    Publishing Company at
    www.asperger.net/bookstore_9991.htm.

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