:nono: WEll I tried to take my 5 year old daughter and three year old autistic son to the movie Madagascar yesterday afternoon to the Matinee! The movie hadn't started yet so we were watching the previews...my son was crying cuz he is like that till the movie starts cuz he is not comfortable in social situations and the previews weren't exactly cartoon ones. A lady behind me leans forward and says "If he is gonna keep this up you need to move to the back or leave because we paid for this movie and we want to watch it" (as if I didn't pay too) Anyways I turned to her and said "He will calm down once the movie starts and if he doesn't then yes I will leave" Well this answer wasn't good enough for her so she got up and went and got the manager! The manager came up to me and said Ma'am you need to move to the back of the theater (by the way there were no empty seats as it was opening weekend) I replied with "he is autistic and will calm down once the movie starts" He then said to me "I don't care what he is move now" I got a little angry at that and said "I will move if you could please find me some empty seats back their (my mom, sister, and daughter were with us too by the way) He said "I don't have to find you seats now move or leave NOW! or I am calling the police" I just sat there trying to figure out what to do and the entire time the lady behind me was freaking out saying I had better leave and yada yada yada....anyways my son continued crying sensing I was upset so we got up and left...on the way out I saw the cops were there already but the manager told them nevermind since I was leaving anyways....Anyways the point to my story is I am furious as you can imagine because they wouldn't kick someone out for being in a wheel chair or with an "obvious" disability...a handicap is a handicap and it is wrong to throw a three year old with a handicap out of a kid movie while there were tons of other babies/children crying in the theater too! My husband (he is military) is calling and informing his commander of the situation in the morning...I have filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, city chamber of commerce...and told my story to our local news channel...and they say it will be an interesting story to air due to the discrimination issue. This is 2005 and it is crazy I was asked to move to the back of a theater! I am still fuming over this and will not drop the ball...Autism needs more recognition! Anyways I am sharing my story with everyone I can...let me know if you all think I am just overreacting :confused:

It sounds like you are handling it very well. I know in military communities they sometimes will cause certain businesses to be off limits to soldiers. I'm sure that would cut in to their profits. You might even want to consult an attorney due to the discrimination. It seems like they went a little overboard calling the police. Good luck!

I just noticed the title on the main screen and had to read this. I think it is horrible that the woman would be so selfish and childish about it, you responded in a very well manner and I can only imagine how hard it is to have an autistic child without having people like her around. As for the manager it is ridiculous that he would say "I don't care what he is" like he doesn't know or understand that he can't help it. I really hope that you get justice out of this because it is insane to be asked to move or leave after you have explained that he would calm down after it got started.
Good Luck

My girlfriends daughter is autistic, and i also have a cousin whom is autistic, so i feel for you. It is a very fusturating medical condition to deal with , i know. Please don't take this the wrong way, but maybe next time you decide to go to the movies, either go in right before the movie, and or wait a few weeks to go so that the theater will be less crowded. i do agree they treated the situation a little too hard, but on the other hand, here are other people in the theater who were there to enjoy the movie as well. You know your child the best, so if he gets upset sitting there through the previews (which you know he does) i think it's best to wait a few weeks after the movie has played out, or also like i said, wait to go in just before the movie starts. Also please don't take this the wrong way either, but you would be no better no better by exposing the whole situation to the news...etc....etc....I am sure if you talk to some higher ups the the movie theater, i am sure you would get some free movie tickets or something........good luck with your son. keep up with his programs...

I think this is OUTRAGEOUS and really IRKS me. I have a son who's 12 and severely autistic. I have taken him to the movies, he does ok, depending on his day, mood, surroundings, etc.. If it was the first showing of the movie of course that would upset him but you know what, so? Like you kept trying to say, he would calm down when the movie started. Plus it wasn't like you were there with just him you wanted to take your daughter too. That's not fair to her. It doesn't matter when the movie is you can take your son anywhere you please. How dare that woman tell you what to do with your child especially after you told her his dx. What an ignorant person. SHE should have moved. It's a kid's movie. There are always babies crying because parents have to take them so they can take their older children, I've never seen someone asked to leave because of that. Or what about the other kids who have obvious behavioral issues and run around the theater, or won't be quiet. It's a kid's movie and you should expect things to be a little chaotic, especially during the first showing. I'm sorry this happened and I say do everything you can to share this. Don't let the movie theater get away with you having to leave, give them bad press. Hopefully that woman will see it and gain a little understanding. I once heard about a woman who had these "business cards" that she would pass out when people would stare at her son when he was having a bad time or just stimming.. They said, "I noticed you staring at my son's bad behavior, he has Autism, what's your excuse?" Sorry this is so long but this really strikes a nerve with me, I wish I knew what theater it was so I could write them a letter sharing my feelings about what happened. It sounds like you are doing all that. Be outraged! I totally don't think you are overreacting.. ~Bunny

No your not overreacting at all. I dont blame you for being so upset. I would go as far as you can with it. I also agree autism needs to be reconized more.

don't you think you should at least contact the theater first? it seems to me that now you are out for revenge. I understand you are upset over this matter, but there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. as to your 1st post, yes, now you are overreacting. remember the people you delt with at the movie theater were just the little people. talk to the head of the line before you start having people write letters, and let things get out of hand.

my son is 5 and is high functioning autistic I have taken hime to the movies once, and he loved it. I had everyone that surrounded us pissed off at us, because my son doesn't understand what appropriate behavior for a theater is. He tried climbing over the seat in front of us, wouldn't leave other peoples snacks alone, and was generally mis behaving in any way you could possibly imagine. But he loved going to the movies. It was really stressful for me to try and keep him quiet and sitting next to me, but we made it through the movie.. People complained, but I'm used to having people stare at us and think I'm just a bad mom because my kid isn't behaving. You need to be an advocate for your son, because no one else will be. You're right, people don't get it. Good luck to you!

I think you should contact the American Disabilities Association. You are not overreacting. It is discrimination. ~Bunny

I don't think you are overreacting at all....the manager was way out of line, it was blatant discrimination and you need to do all you can to bring attention to it so it doesn't happen again. You know, what would have really set me off was the fact that he called the POLICE on you. You are a mother trying to take your kids to a kids movie for crying out loud.......not a criminal!!!!! That's when he asked for trouble in my opinion. Since he went to such extremes, I see nothing wrong with you going at 'em with both guns blazin'. Hit them where it hurts.......media attention.


I don't think it's revenge at all, you aren't being malicious. People aren't going to stop going to this theatre b/c of your story.....but what it will do is bring attention to it so these idiots will think twice before trying to kick another child out of a movie. Good luck to you!

Sometimes Autism can work to your advantage. I took my son to a pizza place which was crowded and the pizza guy said it would be a long wait for take out as they were busy. I sat on a bench and my son proceeded to run in circles, flapping his hands, and counting VERY loudly. I got rude stares and told everyone "he's autistic". Long story short, we got our pizza in about 5 minutes, ahead of everyone else :)

I don't think you are overreacting either. I do agree, however, that you should start by going to the manager's boss (there should be some sort of chain of command). If that doesn't work, I'd have the media all over it, I'd be calling a lawyer, etc., etc...

I've never had the nerve to take my sixteen year old to a movie. I heard there are sometimes daytime shows in the summer for families that sometimes make noise.
Even when my son is at his worse, he will calm down in a car because he loves it so much. It would be so wonderful if there were still drive-ins.

OMG! :eek: I would never think something like that would happen. I would file a complaint and write to the newspaper. Did you get a refund? That was rude of the workers and that lady. It is unbelievable how rude and inconsiterate people are these days. I hope that this never happens to you or anyone again.

That makes me so angry to read that! The manager would never have openly kicked out a child in a wheel chair, so there is no excuse to kick you out! Take it all the way, seriously.

That's just amazing. Before the movie starts and the woman couldn't take the noise. I wonder if she remembered she's in a movie theater showing a child's movie? Why don't we just keep all children at home, they might cry? In fact, let's keep adults home too...afterall, bad manners is a disability too.

Sorry, I get annoyed for people when this happens. (Not that you can tell, right?)

I took my 4 yos (high-functioning autism) to see Madagascar on opening day. We were there early, and couldn't get tickets for a show until 45 mins later. We bought our boatload of snacks (after all, there were four of us...dh, me, ds, and 10 yod) and sat down, the first in the theater. I refuse to sit in the back on the off-chance ds might cry. If he cries, I remove him. I pay the same amount the others pay..why should I hide in a corner? Ridiculous. I digress.

Anyway, ds has a thing with everything being the same. After some people sat down, he started putting down armrests. He happened to grab one in a chair a lady was sitting in. She shot him a look like 'duh, stupid child...' and it she looked up at me really quickly like 'control your child' but she turned around. We immediately apologized; she pretty much ignored it. Two seconds later, ds threw a piece of popcorn and giggled. It hit the guy in front of us. He laughed, we apologized, and he made a point of saying 'little guy, it's okay! no big deal' because I think he thought ds was going to be in trouble. (We were just trying to defuse the situation before it worsened into ds throwing more.) We were thankful of nice people around us, remembering that kids are going to make noise. And behind us, a family sat with a crying child. At a child's movie, you sometimes have to deal. Obviously, there's limits, and the parents knew that once the child couldn't be calmed, they removed him. Problem solved.

I'm really tired of all children, disabled or otherwise, being held to adult standards for fear of 'offending' someone and being expected to sit quietly in even children-geared atmospheres. People need to get a grip.

I'd definitely call the chain of command for this theater. I'd also perhaps throw in a few key words about disabilities and educating their employees..and reminding them that just because one customer complains, that customer isn't necessarily right. Being a 'manager' requires them to manage the situation, not to just listen to the noisiest person so as to quiet the problem as soon as possible. The quick answer isn't necessarily the right one.

Good luck, I'm sorry this happened..I'd have probably refused to leave and had the police involved there in the theater ;)

Bzybeader

I cannot believe that happened and no, I do not think you are overreacting at all. I also believe you are taking the proper steps. I have a 2 & 1/2 Autistic daughter, and I can understand what you go through, and yes, it is difficult. Good luck to you.

My nephew has Asperger's, and definitely has behavioural issues, and I can relate to the fact that the general public doesn't GET it.

I was so mad when I read your post! I couldn't believe it. What made me angriest was the way the manager sided with the lady. You paid too! They didn't even give it a chance, you did say you would leave if he didn't stop when the movie started.

Like a previous poster said, it's a KID'S movie. A certain amount of chaos/crying etc is to be expected. If you don't like that than DON'T GO. A kid can't understand why he's not supposed to cry, espec one who has autism.

You TOTALLY should go to the media with it. It was rude, and wrong.

sorry, the Penster...I disagree with you. This family did nothing wrong. The kid wasn't physically hurting anyone, he was CRYING as any kid, autistic or not is prone to do.

Unfortunately, this manager only made this selfish rude woman think it's okay and her RIGHT to do what she did. Makes me more angry than I can say!

You are not over reacting. Give them all the bad publicity you can muster! If the theatres "bigwigs" want to get good publicity of it, they can do right and that can be acknowledged. Even if it makes one person more aware of autism and it's challenges because of the media coverage, then it's one more person who is hopefully more informed, right????


The general public is grossly unaware of autism and seem to always think it's a parent who is too "lenient", who is letting their child be "bratty".

I agree with Bzybeader, people expect kids (all kids, regarless of any other challenges) to conform to adult standards even in kid friendly places. Yes, they shouldn't be allowed to go hog wild (honestly, I've never actually seen a person with an autistic child NOT intervene if the child is going too far, and having worked with kids with all kinds of special needs, I can usually tell if it's autism by watching behaviour) - but kids are kids. And give a break to the parents of kids with special needs, as if they don't already have enough on their plate!

Nope, didn't get me all worked up... ;) Give em heck!

btw, would love to hear what happens/happened?

That is disgusting! It's a movie targeted towards kids and he had the nerve to call the cops. I am sorry but what do they expect you to do? Leave your son locked up at home? I was at the store shopping and this woman had her autistic son who also shares the same name as my son and some old b-tch was fussing because he was laughing and walking around and going up to people but she was always behind him trying to stop. He came up to me and I just smiled and said hi because he was smiling at me. I can't believe that some people feel that just because your son isn't "normal" that he shouldn't be let out the house. What a nasty state of mind to have.

I am a father of an autistic child. I will tell you now, you handled it great. I personally wouldn't have been as patient and understanding. I took my family to see the same movie a couple of weeks ago and my wife had to take our son out of the theater just before the movie ended (he was squirming and going from seat to seat). I know its not right but I probably would have lost it on that woman. I commend you on your actions and your doing all the right things and you're not over reacting. Keep up the good fight!!!!!!!!

I too saw the same move a couple of weeks ago and towards the end of the movie my son started running around. It wasn't full but people would turn. I don't think I would have taken it as good as you would. I would have waited for the police and given them my version. I don't think that ingorance is an excuse specially if your a manager of a theater. We are paying customers and should be treated the same. I too would like to know who was the theater and I would send them a letter supporting you. Go all the way!!! We are not going to keep quiet no more!!!!!!!!!!!

Please notify the owner of the theatre chain. In fact, publish it. If this is the mentality of an AMC or other theatre chain, I will definately avoid them and furthermore, pass on my support for you to the national corporate office. That is uncalled for. Even if he was screaming, the way it was handled was extremely unprofessional.

Oh man. :( About 5 years ago, I use to dread going to the movies fearing the exact situtation would happen. But it did not thank God.

To the Author of this thread I praise you for your actions.

I have seen many "normal" adults behave worst in theatres then our kids.

Continue your crusade on this don't back down it was disgaceful what they did to you and your circumstances. And your right about more understanding needs to be in situations with kids with disabilities. Especially Autism it is not completely understood. :)

People are ignorant


My neighbor who had two normal kids once told me, autism is no big issue. She thinks my son is just a bad kid cause' when she says "Hi" to him he becomes uncomfortable.


Average People do not know nor care if your children is autistic. I, myself, wwhen my four year old becomes unsociable, and has an stimulation tantrum, People always look and porpbably just assume that I do not know how to discipline my child.

It is hard, I know. Having an autistic child does limit you and affects yur social life as well. For my daughter who's normal, she herself knows that once her brother has an outburst, we must immediately leave. Just imagine, if it is hard to deal with it and we are aware of their conditions, average people cannot tolerate or understand, or have ignorrance.


I leave my child with my husband and my daughter and I go to the movies by ourselves. I love my autistic son, but I cannot let him just be the center of my life.