As you already know, J-man has developed a love of Toy Story 2. Toy Story one is a little bit too scary for him (all the creepy activity in Spike's house), but Toy Story 2 is a huge favorite!! So when Toy Story 3 came out, I hemmed and hawed. Dare we try and go to a REAL movie? Is there any chance whatsoever that J-man would sit still and watch? Or would we be paying big bucks to leave five minutes into the film because he A) couldn't sit still and wanted to run around, or B) was scared of the 'big screen' experience? And exactly how many dirty looks would we get for his "talking" back at the screen?
And then: Sensory Friendly Films by AMC Theaters.
Sponsored by our local Autism Society and AMC Theaters, Sensory Friendly films are an opportunity for families with special needs children (and adults) to see movies in an environment that is accommodating for individuals with sensory processing issues and/or developmental disabilities. Offered once a month (and typically a kids movie), the movie is played in the morning, lights are up, sound is down, and everyone in the theater has a spirit of acceptance. Your kid needs to talk to the screen? Cool. Your kid have food allergies? You can bring your own snacks. Your child needs to move? Cool. No dirty looks.
And last weekend, they were playing Toy Story 3. What an excellent excuse to try out a real movie with the J-man!
So as we were walking in (Buzz Lightyear in hand, of course), a man with a very large, professional camera asked if he could talk J-man's picture. He was from the local paper covering the event, and apparently the cute kid carrying Buzz caught his eye. My mother called me three days after the movie played and exclaimed that she saw him in the paper. It was a treat!!!
And so, J-man (or at least his torso and his Buzz) are now "famous" in the local paper.
2 comments:
I love your posts about J-man. He reminds me so much of my J-man (Jacob) who is about 1 year younger. I feel the same things as you do. My son has no words and is just coming out of his shell. Sometimes I do cry, but then I read your posts and I start to see the beauty. As a speech-language pathologist, I never thought I would sit on the other side of the table. This year has been humbling for me...in a good way. While I have cried a lot trying to come to terms with things, Jacob is the most beautiful, lovable thing that has ever happened to me. Thanks again for allowing me to see the beauty.
Oh, thank you so much for the lovely compliment... it is so great to connect with other mommies who "get it". I completely understand what you are saying. Raising our little men is this bizarre, awkward journey that nevertheless has a strange beauty to it. I wouldn't trade him for the world, but still just wish it wasn't quite so scary at times..
Anyway, welcome! :)
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