SPECIAL screenings of popular films will be held for people with autism.

The Odeon in Southampton is one of 10 cinemas across the country that will become more accessible for older people with the condition as part of a trial by social care provider Dimensions.

The screenings will be adapted to provide a better sensory experience. There will be no adverts, the lights will be left on low, the volume turned down and people will be able to make a noise and sit where they want.

The not-for-profit organisation arranged similar screenings across the country three years ago with those sessions aimed at families.

There have been more than 125,000 visits to the special screenings at 250 cinemas since 2011.

Lisa Hopkins, executive director of practice development at Dimensions, said: “Currently films screened on Sunday mornings are aimed at families because they are our main audience.

“With the success of the screenings people have asked us to expand the range of films shown because young adults and adults with autism want to see more age-appropriate films.

“We hope that, with the success of the trial, more screenings for older audiences will be available across the country and cinema will become more accessible for people with autism of all ages.”

A spokeswoman for Autism Hampshire said: “The relaxed screenings enables individuals with autism to enjoy a trip to the cinema without worrying how they may respond to the sensory overload of watching a film and the scrutiny they may receive from other viewers.

“The volume level being reduced, the lights being on low and having the ability to move around and make noise enables the person to make the most of the experience in a comfortable environment with people that understand.

“They are a great idea and give adults whose lives are affected by autism the same opportunity of an enjoyable day out as everyone else.”

The next autism friendly screening will be The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (2D) at 6pm on Monday, December 15.

For more information visit dimensions-uk.org/autismfriendly.