06/24/2026
This Saturday we are hosting what I hope is the first of many sensory Friendly showings at the Fox Theatre in Fort Madison.
What does this mean you ask?
In the theatre during the movie, lights will be up a little and the sound will be down a little. Also, the behavior guidelines are somewhat relaxed.
Why here, why now?
Over the last few decades, there has been a sharp increase in the number of kids on the Autism spectrum. We don't want to debate the reasons for it, we just want to deal with the reality of it.
Kids on the spectrum , like most kids, want to go see movies at the theatre. It's an experience they should be able to have, but because of the above listed obstacles, they have trouble adapting to the regular theatre environment. Also, ask any parent of an autistic child, they are hurt deeply when in public they get "stink eye" looks from others who don't understand Autism.
Fifteen years ago, our theatre in Hillsboro Illinois started working with the local Autism support group and featured a monthly Sensory Friendly movie. The two young men pictured were pre-teens at the time and came to every showing. Now they are valuable members of our staff.
If you have a child on the spectrum, or you know of any, please share this and help us spread the word.
Many of us take for granted being able to go to the movies whenever we want to. There is a growing segment of our community who don't feel comfortable at the theatre. Let's help fix that.
Jeff Eisentraut
Fox Theatre, Fort Madison
Saturday, June 27@1pm
Toy Story 5
Sensory Friendly guidelines
Tickets: Bestmoviedeal.com
