Scott Klumb is an award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and editor renowned for his expertise in documentary filmmaking and action sports cinematography. As the founder of SMK Media in Boulder, Colorado, Mr. Klumb has built a remarkable career working with prestigious organizations such as ESPN and Level 1 Productions, crafting visually compelling narratives.

photo credit: ScottKlumb.com

Beyond his technical skills, Scott Klumb is a passionate advocate for autism acceptance, using his platform to create films that shed light on the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. Drawing from his personal journey as an autistic filmmaker, Mr. Klumb brings a unique and informed perspective to the topic of sensory-friendly cinema.

Most people consider the cinema to be a helpful pastime. However, cinema often involves sounds that tend to be overwhelming and might be discomfiting for people with sensory sensitivities, like people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So, the introduction of sensory-friendly cinema became expedient in ensuring that the cinema experience is enjoyable for everyone and does not exclude people with sensory sensitivities. Created out of a need for inclusivity, sensory-friendly cinemas have changed the film experience for people with ASD.

Sensory-sensitive cinemas are such that the sounds and lighting are adjusted so they do not cause any form of sensory overload for people with ASD. Some of the stand-out features of sensory-friendly films are dimmed lights, a welcoming environment, lower sound levels, and accessibility.

Dim light can help people with ASD calm their nervous system, as excess bright lights are usually harsh to the eyes and can serve as a stressor to them. When the lights are dimmed out, people with ASD tend to enjoy a better visual experience that reduces sensory overload and creates a feeling of ease throughout the movie.

A welcoming environment at the cinema is tolerant and supports the reactions of the audience to the film. Further, people with ASD and other types of neurodivergent conditions are usually sensitive to sound, its frequency, and its intensity. Loud noise usually results in stress and discomfort. Sensory-friendly cinemas usually soften out sudden and loud noises and modify sound levels to ensure that the movie viewing experience is more soothing and not overwhelming for the audience.

Accessibility is an important aspect of sensory films, and it includes factors like subtitles or open-captioning, reduced crowds and distractions, and availability of sensory break areas. With regard to subtitles, having texts on the screen ensures that people with ASD are better positioned to understand the plot of the movie and the dialogue therein. People with ASD often have different communication needs, so providing them with visual support in the form of subtitles and open-captioning will go a long way.

Crowds and distractions at the cinema might serve as impediments to people with ASD. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people with ASD have a higher risk of experiencing social anxiety. This means that exposing them to a crowd might cause them to experience sensory overload and anxiety. Also, with the reduced crowd, there is less noise, meaning that the audience has fewer sensory disturbances.

Areas dedicated to sensory breaks are key features of sensory-friendly cinemas. Spaces like these ensure that the audience can take breaks when they feel overstimulated. These spaces are often equipped with a wide range of calming resources that help people with ASD regulate their emotions. Also, flexible seating arrangements make it easier for the audience to take breaks and walk around without any form of obstruction or impediment.

People with ASD are usually encouraged to check theater listings for showtimes labeled as sensory-friendly, as many theaters now offer these special screenings at select times. Arriving early can also be helpful because it gives them time to get familiar with the environment before the film begins, easing any form of anxiety that might arise from the new setting.

Bringing comfort items can make a big difference in creating a relaxing experience for people with ASD. Also, noise-canceling headphones can help soften loud sounds, while weighted blankets or fidget toys can provide a sense of security.