PARENTS' AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS RESOURCES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA, AMC WILL BE SHOWING SENSORY FRIENDLY FILMS TO FAMILIES AFFECTED BY AUTISM ON A MONTHLY BASIS TO SELECT COMMUNITIES.
The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment.  The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down, and audience members are invited to get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing!

The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD.  More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.We are thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide — please click here for a complete list of participating theatres. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.

Upcoming Sensory-Friendly showings at AMC - Eden Prairie include:

• November 6 - MegaMind
• November 20 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1                  
  
• December 11  - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

All shows are at 10:00 am local time.  Dates and films are subject to change.

• www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=988
  The National Association for Gifted Children offers information and resources on gifted and autism or Asperger's.
  
  
• www.ausm.org/advocacy/goalCommitment.asp
  The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) is an organization of families, educators, care givers, and professionals committed to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
  
  
• hoagiesgifted.org/aspergers.htm
  The above website page provides a comprehensive list of books and articles about Asperger's.
  
  
• www.uniquelygifted.org
  The Uniquely Gifted website provides resources for individuals parenting or educating gifted children with special needs.
  
  
• www.twicegifted.net/  
  You will find clear overviews of specific traits associated with various exceptionalities and information about mental and emotional issues the student may face.
  
  
• www.grcne.com/giftedAsperger.html
  This article by Deirdre Lovecky, Ph.D., offers help to parents with children who are both gifted and have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.