We really want to applaud these cinemas ODEON, VUE, CINEWORLD, SHOWCASE & PICTUREHOUSE for hosting sensory friendly screenings of some great movies. These are made to be an inclusive and very welcoming environment for people with sensory sensitivities and their loved ones.
Understandably, the team at DIMENSIONS, one of the country’s largest not-for-profits supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, challenging behaviour and complex needs, are thrilled that after a challenging year, autism friendly cinema screenings are back!
Here at SOUTH WALES LIFE we echo that sentiment as we are great believers, and supporters of these screenings and the positive benefits they bring.
Autism friendly screenings are sometimes called relaxed or sensory friendly screenings. Adjustments are made to reduce stress and sensory input, such as low lighting and sound, freedom to move and staff trained in autism awareness.
These screenings would never have started or even continue in the way they do if it wasn’t for an incredible organisation called DIMENSIONS. They began, in a very small way, back in 1976. They we’re supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs out of institutions, helping them lead ordinary lives in their local communities.
All these years later and they’re pretty much the same, although with a huge amount of experience and extraordinary talent behind them They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
In many ways these screenings act as a transition into regular cinema screenings for some, while making the cinema more inclusive and accessible for everyone who feels they will benefit from the environment.
Sensory friendly adjustments include
- Sound and lights on low
- No trailers
- Freedom to move around
- Take your own food and drink
- Free entry for carers with a valid CEA Card
They offer these special screening in participating cinemas all across South Wales. If you are travelling around the country however and want to go to one of these special screenings just check on the DIMENSIONS link or the relevant cinema. These are so important and inclusive and the positive reaction is always good to hear…..
“Although I do not have autism I went to an autism friendly screening of The Good Dinosuar because I have hypervigilance, anxiety and hallucinations…I forgot to take my anxiety medication and I was still relaxed regardless! Thank you Dimensions…the cinema is now accessible.”
Jake absolutely loves going to the cinema and the Autism Friendly Screenings make his passion an absolute pleasure. See his story HERE.
Important notes
- Not all ODEON cinemas are showing these films. Please check your local cinema.
- Some ODEON cinemas open later so will be showing the screening later than 10am. Please check with your local cinema.
More Odeon Screenings in 2025
How can I book ODEON autism-friendly cinema tickets?
Tickets are available to book around 5 days in advance. You can book tickets on ODEON’s website or at your local cinema.
The film’s name will be listed with “Autism friendly screening” before it so you know you’re booking the right one.
If you have a CEA Card and you’re booking online, you will need an online profile and to add it to the ‘Accessibility’ section of your details in ‘My ODEON’.
If you have any booking enquiries, please contact ODEON:
“We understand our cinemas are large, busy and exciting environments and for some this creates barriers or results in sensory overload. We’ve developed a regular program of screenings designed to create a relaxed and safe environment.”
How can I book Cineworld autism-friendly cinema tickets?
Cineworld’s Autism Friendly screenings are available to book a month in advance. These screenings are available at a majority of our locations (except for Aberdeen Queens Link, Greenwich O2, Harlow Harvey Centre and London Leicester Square) and take place on the morning (usually around 11am) of the first Sunday of each month.
There are a number of ways you can book tickets for Cineworld’s autism-friendly screenings:
- On the Cineworld website here
- On the Cineworld App through your smart device
- At your local Cineworld
If you have any booking enquiries, here’s how you can contact Cineworld:
“Cineworld was one of the first cinemas to join Dimensions autism-friendly screenings, and we haven’t looked back. It’s very important for us to be able to offer inclusive screenings for people with autism and help them enjoy the world of film.”
How can I book Showcase autism-friendly cinema tickets?
Tickets are available to book around 5 days in advance. There are a number of ways you can book tickets for Showcase’s autism friendly screenings. Select the film listed as an autism friendly screening and follow the booking process:
- On the Showcase website
- Via the Showcase Box Office on 0871 220 1000 (calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge)
- At your local cinema.
If you have any booking enquiries, please contact Showcase:
Showcase have been hosting autism friendly cinema screenings since 2015 and now their sensory friendly films are at over 18 cinemas at least once a month.
We Live in Time at participating cinemas only Monday 13th January (times vary).
An emotional 10 year story of the trials of life and relationships for Almut and Tobias.
How can I book Showcase autism-friendly cinema tickets?
Check your local cinema is participating by visiting Picturehouse Relaxed Screenings pages.
Tickets are available to book around 5 days in advance. There are a number of ways you can book tickets for Picturehouse’s autism friendly screenings. Select the film listed as an autism friendly screening and follow the booking process:
- On the Picturehouse website (select your cinema and the film marked as ‘autism friendly’ on the schedule. Please note a £1.50 booking fee applies for online bookings.)
- Via the dedicated accessibility hotline 0207 294 7908 (standard call rates apply)
- At your local cinema.
Free entry for carers
- Carers can get free entry when booking in person at the box office with a valid CEA Card at Picturehouse cinemas
- Carers can get free entry when booking in person at the box office, over the phone or online with a valid Carers Card.
If you have any booking or carers card enquiries, please contact Picturehouse:
- through their website
- through their Twitter account @Picturehouses
- through their dedicated accessibility hotline 0207 294 7908 (standard call rates apply)
How can I book Vue autism-friendly cinema tickets?
Tickets are available to book around 5 days in advance. There are a number of ways you can book tickets for Vue’s autism-friendly screenings.
Select the film listed as an autism-friendly screening and follow the booking process:
- On the Vue website
- Via the Vue Box Office on 0345 308 4620 (local rate number)
- At your local cinema.
If you have any booking enquiries, please contact Vue:
- through their website
- through their Twitter account @VueCinemas
- through their customer enquiries line 0345 308 4620
Vue has been hosting autism friendly cinema screenings since 2013 and now their sensory-friendly films are at over 90 cinemas at least once a month.
To see a map of all participating cinemas go HERE and check out the area you’re looking for. And to see what Dimensions are up to and how they can support you, just head to their site – DIMENSIONS.
You can get more information on screening from the Accessible Screenings website HERE.
