Before my son was diagnosed with autism, I had no idea that his dramatic behaviors were a response to how his brain interprets the world around him.

His senses are hypersensitive to the point that a dog barking in a passing car can trigger a repetitive yelling mantra, a twisted sock will send him into a meltdown in front of the grocery, or sunlight through the library window can cause him to flail on the ground in a panic.

Through many hours of differing therapies and wonderful public school interventions, he has been able to overcome some of these issues. But, he is still the kid you would not like to sit next to in a movie theater.

In stride the Walkers, owners of the North Bend Theatre. On March 24 they provided a movie experience for kids with special needs. The sound was down, the lights were just right and kids could squirm. It was one of the few public outings we have had in the past three years where there was no judgments passed on his unusual behaviors.

Thank you North Bend Theatre for opening your heart through the big screen.

Kris and Noah Van Slyke

North Bend