In a baffling incident, a three-year-old boy with autism was removed from a screening of “Finding Dory,” a film celebrating diversity and special needs, simply for expressing his excitement like any child would.
Samantha Johnson and her son, Ethan, who is three and a half, traveled from Renton, Washington, to see the much-anticipated movie. However, during the screening, Ethan was asked to leave the theater due to complaints about his animated behavior, which included moving around and rolling on the floor. The manager at Regal Cinemas in Bellevue informed Samantha that they had received several complaints about her son’s actions.
“I wish the manager could have understood that this was Ethan’s first movie experience, and we were trying to navigate his autism and how to manage his behavior in a new environment,” she shared. Many parents can relate to the challenges of taking a child to the movies, especially when they are excited. For Ethan, this outing was thrilling since he adores Dory, the beloved character from “Finding Nemo.”
Samantha emphasized the need for patience and understanding, stating, “A little more compassion can go a long way in raising awareness about autism and other disabilities.” It’s disheartening that a child with a developmental difference was asked to leave simply because he was enthusiastic. After all, isn’t a child rolling around more acceptable than adults who disrupt with their phones?
While Samantha felt Ethan was not disruptive in the half-full theater, the manager insisted on controlling him or leaving. The notion that children can be easily controlled is absurd; they are individuals who sometimes act on impulse, regardless of parental guidance. Parents shouldn’t be expected to avoid public spaces unless their child is perfectly composed.
Samantha pointed out that all children, especially those with autism, need opportunities to learn how to behave in public. “Children with autism are still kids,” she said. “They all have difficulties sitting still, and autistic children often require more exposure to learn what’s appropriate.”
However, not everyone empathized with their situation. Some critical comments emerged online, claiming that autism should not be an excuse for disruptive behavior. “You could have taken him to a drive-in movie or waited for it to come out on DVD,” one commenter suggested, a notion that is impractical given the scarcity of drive-ins and the desire for children to experience new movies as they release.
Samantha expressed frustration over the stigma parents face when attempting to include their children in social situations. Others offered support, noting how they have witnessed adults being far more disruptive than children. One parent even shared her own journey with disabilities, encouraging Ethan to keep enjoying life and not let negativity bring him down.
As we celebrate films that highlight diversity, let’s also remember that kids, especially those with special needs, should be allowed to express their joy without fear of being reprimanded. “We parents are striving to raise wonderful children, regardless of their diagnosis,” Samantha concluded. The next time you see a child enjoying a movie, remember that laughter and excitement are what these films are all about.
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Summary
A young boy with autism was removed from a screening of “Finding Dory” for being too animated, raising questions about tolerance and understanding in public spaces. His mother emphasized the importance of patience for children with special needs, highlighting the need for inclusivity and compassion in society.