I’ve always told other autism parents to brag about their kids – brag about every small step they take! Who cares if it takes them a little longer to master something? The point is – they did it! And you deserve to cheer for them just like every other parent.
Today – it is my turn to cheer again! Well, mine and several other parents. Yesterday, I got to go to the movie with Casey, Mandy and Rob! We’ve gone to drive in movies several times, but Rob has never been in a movie theater. It’s just too loud and his claustrophobia can get bad in dark places, especially with a crowd.
Our local movie theater did a sensory friendly movie. They have done it before, but we had never been able to go. A sensory friendly movie means the lights aren’t completely dark and the sound is kept lower. Talking during the movie isn’t a big deal (Or squealing, hooting, or humming!) Moving around is fine (as long as the moving around doesn’t put anyone else in danger) It was the perfect time to see if Rob would enjoy it.
Casey has been to movies before and seemed to enjoy, but she did get antsy and want to go to the bathroom or anywhere else besides sit and watch. When we got to the theater, one of their friends was there, too, so we could all walk in together. They each got popcorn and a drink. I turned around and had lost Rob, already – he didn’t even wait for me – he just walked into the theater. 🙂
I let him pick the seats, sort of, as he was going to walk clear to the front row. He had a struggle with the seat, as he couldn’t figure out how to sit on the folded seat. He finally put his drink in the cup holder and carefully sat down. Casey panicked when the seat rocked back and jumped up. She wanted to move because she thought her seat was broken. I told her to just slowly lean back – that the seat rocked and she was finally able to relax in the seat. But, it showed again that we need to show our people with autism new things – not just expect that they will try it because we say it’s fine. I had to hold her popcorn and her hand before she was able to relax. And, that’s fine – it’s just something I forget at times. Even as brave as she is, she still gets nervous and needs my hand to feel safe.
Rob loves popcorn and that kept him entertained until the movie started. The owner of the theater came in and told us the sound guy was going to turn the sound off completely and slowly turn it up. We were to tell her when it was okay so everyone would be able to enjoy the movie. This is another reason I love living in a small town! How many big theaters have that kind of service?
Rob was completely relaxed through the movie and often had a grin on his face. I got worried about him once, but it turned out he needed the bathroom (and, of course, so did Casey! 🙂 ) and he watched the rest of the movie happily. I wish I could have gotten a picture of him watching – he looked so happy and relaxed!
Honestly, I was ready to cry. So many times when I took Mandy and her friends to the movie, I wished Casey and Rob could go. I wondered if they would ever be able to enjoy things like movies. Yesterday, I got my answer! True- it took 29 years, but it happened and I’m still so excited about it!
I’ve said it before and I’ll remind you again – never, ever stop dreaming for your child with autism! As long as you keep dreaming, your child will keep trying. Isn’t that what all parents do? 🙂