June's Sensory-Friendly Film Series Selection: Up!

I am so excited that the next movie in the Sensory-Friendly Film Series will be the new Disney/Pixar film Up!

The film will be shown at 10am on June 13th at the following participating theatres:

AMC Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Rd., Ste. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034

Parks at Arlington 18
3861 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

AMC Firewheel 18Full-screenFull-screenFull-screen
100 Coneflower Dr., Garland, Texas 75040

Tickets can be purchased at the theatre on the day of the event.


From the ASA Sensory-Films Series web page:

In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing - in other words, AMC’s “Silence is Golden^®” policy will not be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned.

iPhone Applications as Communication Devices

USA Today featured an interesting article today: "Iphone Applications Can Help The Autistic." Check it out!

Easter Seals "Special Care Series" Program

Easter Seals of North Texas's "Special Care Series" is a program to provide families with up-to-date information on supports available and the financial aspects for individuals living with Autism. The first seminar (on life care plans) was May 19th, but you can still register for the remaining seminars:

June 2
Government Programs

June 16
Special Needs Trusts

July 7
Guardianship

Each seminar takes place from 6:30 to 7:30PM at the Community Room of Easter Seals North Texas, Trinity Center, 4443 North Josey Lane, Carrollton, TX 75010. They request that you register by calling 817-334-2306. The seminars are free and open to the public. Child care is not provided.

For more information on the Easter Seals Autism Treatment Program, visit their website.

Thomas the Tank Engine Helps Autistic Kids Identify Emotions

I previously posted about the upcoming Thomas and Friends Live show at Nokia Theatre. Well, there is more exciting news for Thomas fans today:

A recent study in the United Kingdom showed that autistic kids tend to be more fascinated with Thomas the Tank Engine than other fictional characters. Researchers think that the kids find the show so appealing because of "the clear facial expressions of the characters, the pacing of the program and the easy-to-follow story lines."

The steam locomotive and his friends are the stars of a new game in Australia, designed to help autistic children recognize emotions.

The study inspired the organization Autism Spectrum Australia to create a game using Thomas and his friends to help autistic children recognize emotions in facial expressions. I am looking forward to playing it with my son!

Summer is Here!

Here are some fun ideas for your family this summer:

SEE A MOVIE:
The Autism Society of America and AMC theatres have teamed up to bring a sensory-friendly showing of a family movie every month. DFW Participating AMC Locations include:

AMC Stonebriar 24
2601 Preston Rd., Ste. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034

Parks at Arlington 18
3861 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015

AMC Firewheel 18Full-screenFull-screenFull-screen
100 Coneflower Dr., Garland, Texas 75040

The featured film for June has not been announced yet. I will post the info when it is scheduled.
Also, a recent Dallas Entertainment Examiner post featured details on special showings of kids' movies this summer in DFW (not sensory-friendly/special needs, but great values for children that can enjoy and tolerate a trip to the movies).

WATCH A BALLGAME:
Join FEAT, Easter Seals, and other local autism organizations at the Ballpark in Arlington for the Texas Rangers Second Annual Autism Awareness Night on June 26th! Enjoy a night at Rangers Ballpark with a discount in the Lower Reserved seating area for only $17.50 a ticket. you can watch the Rangers take on the Padres and raise awareness for autism. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, see the FEAT-NT Events Calendar, Easter Seals Calendar, or Community Now! Blog. Deadline to order tickets is June 19th.

SEE A SHOW:
Next week on June 2 at 6:30pm, Thomas and Friends Live will be at the Nokia Theatre as part of a special Autism Speaks event (previously discussed in this post). AEG/ThemeSTAR will donate one dollar to Autism Speaks from each ticket sold for these special performances and will also offer a discount on tickets to our families. Select performances will have a quiet room. Get tickets at ticketmaster.com using the discount code: AUTISM

LEARN TO SWIM:
Different Strokes Swim School offers its H2OPE program: "an aquatic fitness program for children with special needs," providing "an alternative recreational activity to help meet physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs." Classes are held at the Harris Aquatic Center-HEB in Euless on Saturdays and Presbyterian Hospital CVC Center in Dallas on Sundays, and are offered at NO COST because they are grant funded.

Water Angels is an aquatic program for children with special needs that offers private and semi-private (2 children per class) sessions in Plano.

Additionally, several YMCA's in the DFW area feature an "Adaptive Aquatics" program for special needs swimmers.

SEE ALSO: a great Dallas Special Needs Examiner post: Summer Camps and Activities to Keep Special Needs Kids Happy


Check back for more summer activities and information!

In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism

Adonya Wong will discuss and sign her book In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism at 1 p.m. Saturday at Borders, 4601 West Freeway, Fort Worth. It i a unique children's book inspired by Wong's son who has autism.

Local News: Agreement Reached to Improve State Schools for Mentally Disabled

Dallas Morning News: Agreement reached to improve state schools for mentally disabled

See also: Dallas Morning News (5/16): Legislation to downsize state schools for disabled is revived