Movie event geared for those with autism, other disabilities

On the third Saturday of every month, Sensory Saturdays at Cape West 14 Cine provides those with autism or other disabilities an opportunity to enjoy movies in a comfortable setting.

"It is an opportunity for parents to spend more time with their kids in a setting that is accepting and comfortable to them," behavior analyst Leanne Hopper said.

Hopper works for the University of Missouri's Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Cape Girardeau. Her inspiration for Sensory Saturdays came from a similar event at Mizzou. She later began working with Mike Sciortino to set up a local version of the event.

"I thought, wouldn't it be great to bring that to Cape Girardeau?" Hopper said.

She said they proposed the idea to the theater's general manager, Kevin Dillon, and staff, and they jumped on board.

"It was exciting to see that they would be willing to do something like that," Hopper said.

This comfortable and accepting setting includes moderately dimmed lighting, lowered volume and comfortable temperature. Guests may also bring food for children on special diets and are welcome to sing, dance and move around during the movie.

"I think them doing, coming up with this is the best thing," Julie Foltz said.

Foltz has attended all but three of the events with her sons, Caleb, 5, and Michael, 9. Both, she said, are on the autism spectrum.

"It is almost like being at home," Foltz said.

She said due to the perfect lighting and volume, she has gotten spoiled and doesn't like attending regular movies. She also said the event gives children the opportunity to know they don't have to stay in their seat if they feel like moving around during the movie.

"Most kids couldn't have ever gone to the movies without Sensory Saturdays," Sciortino said.

The event is now in it's second year and Hopper said she is excited to see it progress.

According to Sciortino, an average of 40 people come to each event. However, last month's showing of "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" drew a crowd of 75 people. He also said they have a group from a nursing home in Ste. Genevieve, Mo. who travel to Cape Girardeau to attend the showings.

"It shows us we are doing some good," Sciortino said.

Sciortino said Hopper, Connie Hebert, director of Southeast Missouri State University's Autism Center, and Donna Thomson, director of SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, have all played a part in the event.

Sciortino formed Ethan & Friends for Autism in honor of his grandson Ethan, who has diagnosed with autism. The organizations began in 2004 after his daughter, Leighanne, and son-in-law, Dale, had to move to Auburn, Maine to provide Ethan with the education he needed.

"We didn't have that program around here at all," Sciortino said.

The organization aims to provide support for local families who are affected by autism and works to bring better service to the Southeast Missouri region. Sciortino has received help by many local professionals including: Sen. Jason Crowell; Dr. David Crowe, founder of the Taylor Institute in Cape Girardeau; Dr. Sharo Shafaie, professor and coordinator of the Southeast Missouri State University childhood development program; and Myra Bax, director for Touchpoint Autism Services.

The next movie will be Disney Pixar's "Brave" on July 21 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5.

For more information on Sensory Saturdays, contact Sciortino at james.sciortino@yahoo.com or Hopper at hopperl@missouri.edu.

ajones@semissourian.com

388-3654