'Very regrettable' Laois Autism group unhappy at Odeon Portlaoise kids ticket hike

Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA) have expressed disappointment in the Odeon Portlaoise cinema, for ending a kids price rate for monthly Autism Friendly screenings.

For some years, the Portlaoise cinema had held Autism Friendly shows once a month, at the Kids Price rate of €4.50.

Now that has been raised to the adult rate of €9.50 per child, even though the normal Kids Club rate remains at €4.50.

The difference of Autism Friendly screenings, shown at a lower volume among other changes in the theatre, can offer the only time that some people with Autism can enjoy a movie experience without sensory overload.

The charity expressed their disappointment in a social media post.

“It is very sad to see that the Odeon Cinema Portlaoise can no longer hold a Kids Club Autism Screening once a month.

“They can hold a screening but not at kids club prices which members of the public and LOFFA members have availed of for the last few years. Tickets are now €9.50 instead of €4.50. We have been in close contact with them for the last three months with no success. Seemly new management new rules,” LOFFA said.

Breda Murray is chair of LOFFA.

“It's very regrettable that in a town going for autism friendly status, as we have been consulted by Laois County Council about, the local cinema cannot accommodate not just autistic children but children in need of sensory modifications with a Kids Club showing at Kids Club Prices,” she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Parents are supporting LOFFA in online comments.

“Sad to read this Laois Offaly Families for Autism so soon after the Rainbow Day fundraising campaign which highlights the very small accommodations our children require to access and enjoy their community.

“And at a time when Laois County Council is going for autism friendly town status too! Our children should be able to continue to access a sensory Kids Club with the same regularity and at the same price point as their typical peers, it's that simple ODEON Cinemas Ireland,” one parent said.

“Odeon Cinema Portlaoise you guys are ruining an opportunity for families to get an hour-two hours peace, community and mutual understanding. Autism is expensive, especially in childhood between therapies, new equipment, potential restricted food. You have taken away essential access for these families. I hope you are ashamed of yourselves. The prices worked before. They would work now at kids club costs. Your profit margins aren't struggling with the old price,” another commenter said.

Odeon Cinemas has issued a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

They say their Autism friendly screenings are for adults too.

“ODEON Cinemas continue to offer our Autism-friendly screenings, which are not just for children. This is reflected in the pricing, as these screenings are priced the same as standard ones. Therefore, you can find both adult and child pricing available at our specially adapted screenings. 

“For a more budget-friendly option for children, we also have ODEON Kids screenings available for €2.75. However, please note that these are not specifically Autism-friendly,” a spokesperson said.

On its website, Odeon states the following about its special screenings.

"The typical cinema environment can be stressful for guests with autism, sensory difficulties or learning impairments. We’re delighted to host special autism friendly screenings one Sunday morning each month at over 90 cinemas across the UK and ROI.

"At our autism friendly screenings, we keep the house lights on throughout the film. Lower the audio volume. Remove the advertisements and trailers before the film. Open the cinema doors early so guests have time to get used to the surroundings."