Film can open a world of imagination; but for people with learning difficulties, what they see or hear on screen can be unbearably stressful and uncomfortable. Sitting in close proximity to other people and noise levels and lighting are some of the things that make it difficult for people with autism to attend mainstream cinema screenings.

To combat this situation leading social care provider Dimensions has teamed up with Odeon Cinemas to present Autism Friendly Films, which will feature low-key volume and lighting, plus shorter trailer sequences. Cinema-goers will also be able to take in their own food and drinks and move around the auditorium should they wish to.

Dimensions is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support for people with learning disabilities and autism. Its aim is to enable people to be part of the community and make their own choices and decisions about their life.

One of the people Dimensions is able to support is 37-year-old film fan, David Rizzi from Watford. David has autistic traits, learning disabilities, communication and mobility difficulties and has been receiving support from Dimensions since 2003.

An avid movie-goer, David visits his local cinema once a month with his Dimensions support coordinator, Fiona.

While many of us take a trip to the cinema in our stride, David’s learning disabilities and autistic traits mean that he can be more sensitive to the environment around him.

Fiona says: “David is a massive film fan and I know that there are lots of people like him who just don’t get the opportunity to visit the cinema because of the anxiety it can cause. The ‘Autism Friendly Films’ pilot will give some their first ever experience of the cinema, something that many people take for granted. I really hope that the pilot is a big success so that it becomes a regular feature across the country.”

If the screening events are successful, it is hoped that the partnership will continue and that Autism Friendly Films will become a regular feature in Odeon cinemas nationwide. It is hoped that by offering a more tolerant environment to people who love films but who can struggle with the cinema setting, the whole film-watching experience will be far more accessible.

An autism friendly screening of Mr Popper’s Penguins is taking place at Odeon Hatfield, The Galleria, Comet Way, Hatfield and Odeon Barnet, Great North Road, Barnet on Thursday, August 11 at 11am. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, August 2 and can be bought at the cinemas. Support workers/carers can attend for free with a CEA card. To find out more about the CEA card and how to get one visit www.ceacard.co.uk

Details: 0871 22 44 007, Details: 0871 22 44 007, www.dimensions-uk.org/autismfilms/