Series focuses on providing welcoming environment for children with autism

This summer, the nonprofit ArtsQuest is offering a free Sensory-Friendly Kids Film Series, geared toward children with autism, Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m., in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. The film series is designed to provide a welcoming environment and afternoon of entertainment for families with children who have special needs.

As part of the film screenings, talking and walking are permitted, while stimming (self-regulation behavior) is encouraged. The theater’s house lights are dimmed but remain on, while the film volume is lowered and previews are eliminated, all in an effort to provide a comfortable viewing experience for attendees. Additionally, families with special dietary needs are allowed to bring food from home.

The Sensory-Friendly Kids Film Series lineup is:

The Jungle Book | June 13
Kubo and the Two Strings | June 20
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | June 27
Up | July 11
Moana | July 18
Finding Dory | July 25
The LEGO Batman Movie | August 1
Toy Story | August 15
Mary Poppins | August 22

Tickets for each film can be reserved for free by calling the ArtsQuest box office at 610-332-3378 or visiting the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem (Tickets cannot be reserved online). For more information, please visit www.steelstacks.org.