PARENTS of children with autism can relax and enjoy a trip to the cinema at a special event.

The Empire Cinema, at Festival Leisure Park, in Basildon, is showing an autism-friendly viewing of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The screening welcomes people with autism, sensory or communication disorders or learning difficulties.

The cinema reduces sound levels, increases lighting and shows the feature advert-free to the audience, allowing viewers, their families and companions to be comfortable and feel fully included in the unique experience of a trip to the cinema.

Jon Nutton, marketing director of Empire Cinemas, said: “This screening will give people with autism and their guardians/carers an opportunity to enjoy the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in a relaxed, autism friendly environment.”

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time will be broadcast from the National Theatre.

The production follows Christopher, 15, who has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life.

The showing is on Sunday, at 5pm, and tickets can be booked at empirecinemas.co.uk