I would like to file a complaint on behalf of my son Julian Mackey. I truly believe his civil rights were violated.
On Friday, June 18th 2010, I took my sons to see the 6:45pm viewing of the “Karate Kid” at AMC Lowes Lincoln Center Theater on 66th street in New York City. My son, Julian, is autistic. Due to this diagnosis, I try to protect my child from an ignorant and non understanding society; therefore I chose to take him to a less crowded movie theater. I go to great lengths to keep a happy distance between my child and the general public, as we are constantly faced with ignorance due to lack of knowledge and understanding of Autism.
We decided to sit on in the mezzanine away from all audience and crowds, just in case Julian became over excited. Please note, my child is non verbal. As the movie progressed and the karate scenes became more prevalent, Julian began clapping with excitement. He was not disruptive. His expression was no different than a child showing a joyful expression or adults laughing at a funny scene.
What I did not know was the senior manager, Dominique Patterson, was also watching the movie. He came over and stated I needed to keep my child quiet or leave. I advised him that Julian was autistic and just excited about the scenes. He then responded that his autism was not of any relevance, and if my child continued to clap or shout with excitement, we would have to leave. I was in shock at the lack of sensitivity I encountered. Another scene with karate moves came on, and Julian again began to clap and we were asked to leave. I was told Autism was no excuse for him to get excited and I could get my tickets refunded
I was beyond angry and hurt; I went to guest services and asked for another manger. I burst into tears because I could not believe what was happening. Senior Manager, Sergio Calderone, then approached me. I explained the situation to him through tears. He then told me that my money would be returned and that maybe I should take my child to more autism friendly movie theater. I burst into tears in again. I expressed that my son has a disability and nowhere does AMC indicate that Autism is an exclusion to disability rights of the theater. I was then again referred to find a movie theater more suitable for autism.
I have been trying to find an avenue to reach AMC Corporate to file a complaint. I cannot trust that the management team at the 66th Street Theater will look into this matter, as they were the ones involved. I think that AMC Corporate should be aware that they are sending mixed messages by advocating for special needs children in one way, yet excluding special needs in another way. Our children with Autism are human beings who deserve all the same entitlements and respect that everyone else does. My question is, would AMC Theater kicked a child out that was blind? In a wheelchair? Had to use a walker? What's the difference of my child’s disability?

Below are the names of management I encountered:
Sr. Manager Dominique Patterson: requested that I leave the theater and was totally insensitive. When my cousin contacted him to complain, he lied and stated, he was unaware of the situation and that he would ensure his team was retrained on sensitivity in dealing with the disabled population. He also went on to stress that AMC contributes to autism causes.
Sr. Manager Sergio Calderone: suggested I find movie theater more Autism friendly
General Manager Amy Hunter: advised my husband that she was unaware the situation. She also suggested we look into another theater more suitable for autism.
I believe a serious sensitivity training is required of your staff to disability sensitivity and accommodations. I don’t want what happened to my family happen to another family. This is wrong. My son did not deserve to be treated that way.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Elsie