Watching a cartoon on the big screen, crunching popcorn, and laughing as loudly as you want. For children, being free in their emotions matters — it builds a sense of confidence that the world accepts them. Yet not all behaviors are met without judgment in society.
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders say that the cinema visit or even a supermarket shopping often lasts no longer than 20 minutes. A child may suddenly feel the need to get up and move around during a screening or become overwhelmed by loud sounds. Every visit to a public space becomes a challenge — not only because of the child’s needs, but also because of how others react.
To mark the third anniversary of LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB, the project’s constant patron Vadym Stolar prepared a special gift for the hub’s children and other families living in Lviv and raising children with ASD — a private screening of the animated film “Jumpers” at a Planeta Kino cinema.
The value of such an experience lies in acceptance and support. The screening was adapted to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for everyone, with soft lighting, reduced sound, and the freedom to simply be yourself.
“It felt amazing to be surrounded by people who understand you and don’t judge. It was the first time we watched a cartoon all the way to the end,” says Anastasiia Halkina, mother of a child with ASD who attended LEVCHYK.
Olha Kulyk, Director of LEVCHYK SPECTRUM HUB in Lviv, notes that this was not just a pleasant outing, but also an important experience of feeling safe in a public space for both children and their parents.
Parents of the LEVCHYK children express their sincere gratitude to Vadym Stolar for the support and for the presented tickets that helped their children take another step toward socialization.
