Movie theaters are loud, colorful and crowded. For the average person, this is a good thing. For parents of autistic children, it’s a nightmare.

AMC Theaters is entering its second year of Sensory Friendly Films: movie afternoons where parents can bring their highly sensitive children to screenings with lowered volume, house lights on, and a seating-optional policy.  It’s also the only time food doesn’t have to be smuggled in, as moviegoers are encouraged to bring food from home to cater to special needs diets so common to the autistic/developmentally-challenged/otherwise special young community.