AMC Theaters and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families of children with sensory needs a way to see their favorite movies. Each month there will be a showing of "Sensory Friendly Films", which is a new program at AMC.
The movie auditoriums will have their lights on and the sound will be turned down. Families will also be able to bring in their own healthy snacks and there will be no previews. Talking will be allowed as long as it is not disruptive to others.The next showing is May 22 and the movie is Shrek Forever After. In June there is a showing of Toy Story 3. Theaters that are participating in the Dallas area include AMC Stonebriar 24 in Frisco and AMC Firewheel in Garland.

Autism is a developmental disability that affect's a person's ability to communicate. It is a "spectrum disorder" that is defined by a set of behaviors. Thus, it is different for each person who is diagnosed with it. It is the result of a nerological disorder that impacts the developement of social interactions and communication skills. Children and adults with autism will typically show difficulty in verbal and non-verbal communitation, social interactions, and leisure play.
In December of 2009 a report was released by the U.S. government that showed that autism is prevalent in 1 out 110 births in the U.S. and almost 1 in 70 are boys.(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADDM autism prevalence report).
Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial. Here are some signs to look for:
*Lack of or delay in spoken language
*Little or no eye contact
*Difficulty in initiating or substaining play with peers (prefers to always
play alone)
* Repeating the same language/words and/or motor movements (such as twirling,
spinning, flapping arms)
*Fixating on parts of an object

If you think your child has these characteristics, please see your physician. There are no medical tests for autism but they can help and refer you to other professionals. If they are at least 3 years of age or older, you may also contact your local school or school district.

All Juniors in Texas public and charter schools will now have the chance to take the SAT test for free, courtesy of the Texas Education Agency. The test is given in May and June but you must sign up quickly since there will be a high demand for the test. Students must sign up before May 5 for the June test and the state will not pay for any late registration fees. To take advantage of this offer, get a Texas Student Voucher code from the school counselor at your high school or e-mail the College Board for one.

Below is a list of required vaccines for studnets who will attend Texas schools in the 2010-2011 school year. The list includes new requirements for those coming into kindergarten as well as those going into 7th grade. This is very important because students without the required immunizations or a valid exemption will not be allowed to attend school. Now is the time to get prepared and start getting doctor's appointments scheduled.

VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 12th GRADE:
* 3 to 5 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP/DTP/DT/Td)
* 3 to 4 doses of polio
* 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
* 3 doses of hepatitis B
* 1 to 2 doeses of varicella
* 1 booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) 10 years
after the last dose of tetanus-diphtheria-containing vaccine

ADDITONAL VACCINE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING KINDERGARTEN, 1st, 7th, and 8th GRADE

* 2 doses of hepatitis A for students entering K-1st grade
* 2 doses of varicella for students entering K-1st and 7th-8th grade
* 1 booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) for students
entering 7th grade, if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of
tetanus-diphtheria-containing vaccine
* 1 does of meningococcal for students entering 7th-8th grade

To determine the specific number of doses that will be required, check the website www.immunizetexas.com. If you have further questions, you may also call the Immunization Customer Service line at 1-800-252-9152.