Films that will Help You See the World Through the Eyes of an Autistic Child
Updated on September 14, 2020
A post by AngelSense, a GPS & voice monitoring solution designed for children with special needs.
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There’s something magical about film and its ability to entertain, enthrall and capture the imagination of people of all ages. While watching a film can be a highly entertaining activity, it’s also a great way to better understand your child with autism. The right film could open your eyes, and may even help you see your little one in a new light.
The AngelSense community has put together 5 films to inspire, inform and remind you that though times may be tough, you’re not alone. Our hope is that these films will give you more insight into autism and what it means for your child. With enough empathy and understanding, one can only hope that more kids with autism will find their place in society.
1. A Mother’s Courage: Talking Back to Autism (A.K.A The Sunshine Boy)
This documentary explores one mother’s determination not to accept her son’s pessimistic diagnosis. It documents her resilience as she goes in search of answers, and looks for ways to improve his quality of life. In the documentary, we’re introduced to Margaret whose severely autistic son has had to undergo a number of treatments. Unwilling to accept the doctor’s answers, she goes on a journey to understand her son’s condition.
Few other documentaries on the topic are as refreshing or empowering as this one. This is a must-watch for all special needs parents.
Why we love it:
- Awards: Nominated for Best Sound and Documentary of the Year
- Main takeaway: Don’t be afraid to talk back to autism
- Fun fact about the film: Part of the film is set in Iceland
- Runtime: 103 minutes
This inspirational documentary follows the lives of five kids on the autism spectrum and their parents as they prepare for an original stage production. The documentary highlights their many struggles and challenges as they all learn to communicate their feelings and work together as a team. It also showcases what parenting children with special needs is like.
“Autism: The Musical” is a celebration of the uniqueness of each child. It’s an uplifting, feel-good film which does a lot to challenge the many stigmas surrounding this disorder. The film won awards at 7 U.S. film festivals and was also awarded two Emmy awards.
Why we love it:
- Awards: Won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Special
- Main takeaway: All kids are special
- Fun fact about the film: Originally the idea was to create a 48 Hour Film Project
- Runtime: 94 minutes
3. Rain Man
This highly acclaimed film has done a lot to challenge the way autism is perceived. The film cleverly showcases the relationship between Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise) and his autistic brother Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman) as they travel-cross country. While Hoffman’s performance successfully counteracts many of the misconceptions about autism, it helps reinforce others like the idea that autism and savantism are linked.
A moving film that will inspire you to think beyond the stereotypes, and will help you see your child in a new light. This is one of the best films for raising awareness and dispelling the many myths and misconceptions about autism.
Why we love it:
- Awards: Won an Oscar for Best Picture; Best Actor in a Leading Role; Best Director; Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
- Main takeaway: Never underestimate someone with autism
- Fun fact about the film: Featured Hans Zimmer’s first score for a Hollywood production
- Runtime: 133 minutes
4. Fly Away
A poignant and slightly heart-wrenching documentary, Fly Away showcases a single mom’s struggle to let her autistic teenager go. The film focuses on the relationship between mother and daughter which has become strained as the teenager tries to assert her independence. Jeanne, the mother, is forced to come to terms with her daughter’s transition into adulthood and what that means for the teen’s future.
Why we love it:
- Awards: Won Reel Frontier Special Jury Award for Best Performance
- Main takeaway: You have to know when to let go
- Fun fact about the film: The director is mother of a child with disabilities
- Runtime: 85 minutes
This film boldly challenges the many misconceptions about disorders like autism. In the documentary two men, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, with autism go on a global quest to confront the stereotypes head-on.
Along the way they encounter all sorts of people and are able to challenge attitudes about autism. The documentary puts a positive spin on autism and shows that obstacles and limitations can be overcome. This shines a touching light on disorders like autism.
Why we love it:
- IMDB score: 7.9/10
- Main takeaway: Stereotypes shouldn’t limit people with special needs
- Fun fact about the film: The film title was inspired by conversations at a coffee shop in Finland
- Runtime: 90 minutes
What films about autism have had the biggest impact on you and your family? Share your thoughts in the comments below
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