A collaboration between Alex Edwards and Cora Quinn from WAXX Radio and Micon Cinemas is bringing monthly sensory-friendly movies to the area for children with autism and other special sensory needs. Families that attend can expect lower sound volumes and dimmed (but not pitch-black) lights, and a safe environment for those behaviors that can make families feel uncomfortable attending a traditional movie showing.

“It’s amazing to watch what happens in their minds,” Edwards said of such a screening. “Some of the kids sat on the floor, others seemed to watch people around them more than the movie, and last year, one even went right up and touched the screen.”

After two successful annual events, they’ve decided to make sensory-friendly screenings monthly. The plan is to rotate showings through the various Micon locations, making them even more accessible to people throughout the area. All families are welcome, even those who do not have special sensory needs. “It’s a great world view and life experience for kids who don’t have these sort of challenges to spend time with those that do,” Quinn said. “Plus everyone has the opportunity to network with other families and find support they may not have known about.”

The next sensory-friendly movie is scheduled for May 7th at Micon Cinema in Eau Claire. To see the full schedule and details, visit ChippewaValleyFamily.org and search sensory movies.