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Prepare to be inspired.
Follow the emotional journey of five autistic children starring in their own stage show in the HBO Documentary Films presentation Autism: The Musical, Tuesday, March 25 at 8 pm.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/22/08
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(35 of 35)
Apr 22, 2008 11:07 PM
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i wanted to just say that i really enjoyed this documentary. i have worked with children with autism and their families for years. i felt that this show was able to show a large range of the trials and tribulations all those touched by autism go through in their life.
i do want to make one comment, which may go over poorly here. the documentary showed the use of facilitated communication, a method by which a facilitator moves ("facilitates") the hand of the individual who needs help communicating. this method has been disproven as an appropriate approach to helping disabled individuals communicate. it disturbs me deeply that there are professionals still out there claiming to "unlock" communication doors with those with autism using this method (see below). there are many other, VERY successful means of teaching alernative forms of communication (functional communication training, picture exchange communication systems, etc.). this method does nothing but provide false hope to those grasping for straws in trying to connect with their child.
"The results showed that the clients typed the correct answer only when the facilitator had access to the same information, never typed the correct answer when the facilitator had no information or false information, and typed the picture or activity presented to the facilitator when it was different from the one experienced by the client. These results provide unequivocal evidence for facilitator control of typing during facilitated communication." Barbara B. Montee, Raymond G. Miltenberger and David Wittrock, Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1995, 28, 189-200.
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Edited by ahardworker at 04/22/2008 8:09 PM PDT
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/21/08
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(34 of 35)
Apr 21, 2008 11:17 AM
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Hi all,
I watched ATM last night and I was so touched! I fell in love with some of the kids, esp. Henry, Wyatt and Neal. There is something in each of these kids that reminds me so much of myself when I was growing up. I realized about 10 years ago that I have Asperger's, but of course no one knew about it in the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s. Today's kids are very fortunate to have people who understand what they are struggling with and who are trying to help them. I had no help or support of any kind. I grew up completely alone, isolated, and on my own. Now, at the age of 55, I consider myself fortunate to have a good marriage and two reasonably "normal" kids. My husband and I have been together for 30 years. He is my only friend and in many ways my caretaker. My kids are boys, 19 and 22. The older one showed symptoms of Asperger's as a child and he still suffers from the residual effects as an adult. But he is higher functioning than I ever was, especially socially. He still doesn't know how to connect with girls on a romantic level though, and this really bothers him. He wants a girlfriend desperately, and he fears that he will always be single. It's hard for us as parents to help him with this, because I never had a social life or dated until my husband took me under his wing, and my husband was naturally successful with girls from an early age. My son doesn't seem to find our advice consoling or helpful.
I noticed when watching this show that I was especially attracted to Henry. Then when it came out who his father is, it seemed to make sense. As a young adult I was "obsessed" with the music of Stephen Stills. I felt that he was completely open and honest about his feelings, and I could relate to his lyrics and to a certain extent they helped me make it through young adulthood, which was especially hard on me, until I met my husband. I acually had a personal encounter with Steve in about 1973 at a Manassas concert in Denver. An acquaintance and I were invited backstage after the concert and then he invited us to hang out with the band at their hotel. We weren't groupies, just ordinary kids. While I was there I was alone with him for about a half hour, and it was very strange because he did not look at me or speak to me even once. All he did was sit in front of me and play his guitar for me. I did not say a single word to him either, I just watched and listened. Then the other band members came in and they all started jamming together. I sat in a chair and listened. I started to feel my usual feelings of being an outsider and not belonging, and I got paranoid and had a panic attack and needed to escape, so I took off. At the time I believed that Steve did not acknowledge me because he could tell there was something wrong with me. But now I see from what he had to say about himself in the documentary that he was going through the same thing I was, and I understand and can forgive myself for being so "weird".
Anyway, I have never had a successful career although I have tried to do a lot of different things for over 35 years. So I still don't know where I "belong" in this world. But maybe I can help kids with Aspergers somehow. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am a talented artist and I like to sing and play guitar, although I'm not so gifted at that. I came onto this site looking for ways to help, but I don't see anything. I live in the San Diego area.
Anne M.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/14/08
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(33 of 35)
Apr 14, 2008 10:57 PM
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As a mother with four children, one with PDD, and a special education teacher with a background in Autism; I thought the documentary was well done. I loved that they profiled not only the children wading through the world of autism, but the parent's as well. I hope that at some point we can see another, almost forgotten profile, that is just as important. As it is in my house, autistic children often have neurotypical siblings. These children are often the untold part of the story. They are secondary to the child with special needs. I contend how ever that all children have special needs and we cannot foget to tell their story as well. Just as it is difficult to be the parent of a child with autism, it is difficult to be the sibling of a child with autsim. These children should not go unheard. They have a story to tell and a voice that needs to be heard as well. I hope someday I can see the documentary shot from the view of the sibling of a child with Autism. These children are so amazing.
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Posts:
2
Registered:
3/28/08
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(32 of 35)
Apr 7, 2008 11:50 AM
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This is my first out, please pardon my ignorance. The show was great, I felt the love. My question, answer, problem and solution are the same, kind of. I can't type or speak as fast as I can think, nor can autistic people. We think in time but are surrounded by people who need time to think. What most see as a problem is an attempt at communicating answers and until the point gets across the behavior will continue.
Most people are driven by greed yet fear controls their actions. Most who try to understand or make sense of what they see as a problem, don't first consider they may be the problem, nor look far enough ahead to see what the effect of their action might have and for some reason think they have the right to destroy it in order to understand or cure it.
Autism is a solution not a problem. We need more of them here and in the right places. If you have a child that is "different" you are very lucky or blessed. I don't, but I am filled a need to share what know without the fear of being locked away for doing it.
I live a place where I must go past more than six gun dealers to find one florist. Something is wrong with that? I pay (under protest) an amount that changes daily plus nine tenths of a cent for a gallon of fuel? I asked a lawyer once about a class action law suit and was told that I was crazy.
How can so many people live where nothing around them makes any sense and just tolerate it?
I have solutions, and an idea that will appeal to no one except the exceptional people that are uncomfortable being where they are and could tolerate all others for who they are as long they don't intrude on your space. While being in a place that has more than enough to meet all your needs while keeping everyone safe from those who can not see beyond what is popular. But I need help, not money or anything that the "normal" people would fight and kill for. Just people who desire more valuable things like love, respect, understanding, attention to your needs and can believe that nothing is more precious than time.
I'm not sure if I can post my contact information but I would be honored if you let me explain more about my intentions verbally or in the future personally to teach you how to, or learn more from you about speaking in time.
I apologize again, if I could read better I would have mimicked the style of others.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/6/08
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(31 of 35)
Apr 6, 2008 7:51 PM
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I have been preparing to write a fictional book about a couple with an autistic child. I've studied and studied and read and read and yes, it has enlightened me to the world around me....but this documentary...this beautiful, educational, diverse documentary about autism touched my heart so deeply, I laughed and cried through the entire show. Not only were the children on the spectrum so illustrative of the differences in autism (breaking the good ol' "Rain Man" stereotype), but the families and how they were dealing with their children's autism were diverse as well.
The only downside to this documentary is that I will always want/need updates on all of the children.
I have to really give props to Elaine and her relentless love for Neal, though. I literally cry to think of where he would be now if it weren't for her. His striking resemblance to Heath Ledger only made it more painful to see him struggle so hard to live in "our" world.
Thank you so much to all who put this documentary together. I have been enlightened, and I hope that schools begin using this as a tool to teach children about autism. I watched it with my son (12, NT), and he kept asking me "Does that kid have autism?" (Henry)..."Does that kid have autism?" (Wyatt). The movie explained it so much better than I ever could have what autism is, can be, and is not. It gave those children the respect they've always deserved.
I've pre-ordered the DVD already. It's a keeper.
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/3/08
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(30 of 35)
Apr 3, 2008 6:04 PM
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I've been telling everyone I know to see this doc, especially my family and in-laws since they really don't know what it's like being the parents of two autistic boys. People need to see this. They need to understand the pain, sorrow and joys of an autistic child. My wife and I laughed and cried during the film. We love our two boys to death, but there are times when we can't see past tomorrow. Writing has been a great source of relief, and they've given me plenty to write about.
Thanks to HBO for airing such amazing, heartfelt material.
- Dave
www.myspace.com/oregonscreenwriter
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Edited by bollnas at 04/03/2008 3:04 PM PDT
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/3/08
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(29 of 35)
Apr 3, 2008 1:31 PM
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Amazing. I think it is wonderful that Autism is finally getting the attention needed. I'm inspired by the stories of all families living with Autism. I've spent hours online at Trusera connecting with others and learning: http://www.trusera.com/collections/Autism
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/2/08
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(28 of 35)
Apr 2, 2008 8:12 PM
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I too thought the stories of these children were amazing. As a licensed speech-language pathologist who works with numerous children on the autism spectrum, I did want to post a portion of the official position of the American Speech Language Hearing Association on the topic of facilitated communication:
"When information available to facilitators is controlled and objective evaluation methods are used, peer-reviewed studies and clinical assessments find no conclusive evidence that facilitated messages can be reliably attributed to people with disabilities. Rather, most messages originate with the facilitator. Moreover, facilitated communication may have negative consequences if it precludes the use of effective and appropriate treatment, supplants other forms of communication, and/or leads to false or unsubstantiated allegations of abuse or mistreatment."
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (1995). Facilitated Communication [Position Statement]. Available from www.asha.org/policy.
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Edited by hlpr at 04/02/2008 5:34 PM PDT
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/1/08
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(27 of 35)
Apr 1, 2008 10:43 PM
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This documentary is amazing. Simply amazing. I just love it and I cannot wait to get my own copy on DVD!!!!
I think Coach E is wonderful, I adore the kids, especially Lexi, I wish I could just hang out with her for a day, she is such a cutie!!!!!
I am a parent of 2 sons with Autism. I work with them daily and we are already trying to sing the songs from the movie! I wish I could bring Coach E to where I live, it would be WONDERFUL!!!!!!
Thank you HBO for bringing this story to our attention.
Take care!
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Posts:
418
Registered:
10/21/07
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(26 of 35)
Apr 1, 2008 9:31 AM
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Tommorrow is "National Autism Awareness Day".
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5252
I never thought autism would ever be accepted, now a day of awareness. I am overwhelmed,
To the parents of children with autism, the above website sends me emails. They may help you understand your child's rights under the Americans with Disability Act.
When schools, knew I was aware of my son's rights, they gave him the help he needed.
I hope the website will help all of you and your children.
I watch the program over and over and cannot stop admiring Coach E and her team.
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A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for ALL.
Former President John F. Kennedy, televised address, June 11, 1963. Five months before he was assassinated.
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Edited by CBunny at 04/01/2008 6:33 AM PDT
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Posts:
1
Registered:
4/1/08
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(25 of 35)
Apr 1, 2008 2:44 AM
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Thank you HBO. This was a beautiful film and I so appreciate you showing it!
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Posts:
1
Registered:
3/31/08
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(24 of 35)
Mar 31, 2008 8:39 PM
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THANK YOU I was so excited to see the musical. My son is now six. He has been diagnosed with PDD with ADDHD . He has had major issues with Sensory Issue Disorder . After years of daily therapy and prayer, he is better and in a regular kindergarden class with an aide. I pray every day of his life that he is able to be as normal as posible so the rest of the world will treat him with respect. Like so many moms, I pray that when I am gone, there will be someone to take care of him, like I would . There are so many things he may never understand. I do get tired because I never leave him and watch him constantly. He wanders off and trusts everyone. I am very afraid that he will trust the wrong person one day and my nightmare will begin. We all have our own fears about our kids but having mine Autism just makes mine bigger....
Thank you again for the musical, my son would do it if Thomas the Train was director. I cannot wait to see the amazing things my son grows up to do and be.. Maybe he will be something to do with trains , you think??
Blessings
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Posts:
1
Registered:
3/31/08
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(23 of 35)
Mar 31, 2008 12:51 AM
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I loved the film, and I really empathized with both the children and the parents. Something I noticed as a teacher was the presence of one-on-one aides in the classroom. In my classroom, I have two wonderful children with Asperger's syndrome who do not have access to such aides (our district cannot afford them). While I do not know if the aides in the film were provided by the parents or by the school district, I am angered by the inequity I see. The students in my class would be able to achieve so much more if they had access to the attention they deserve. I do my best to provide that one-on-one, but with 29 other students I at times fail to respond to the special needs of my children with autism. While I do my best to connect with these students and their families during recess, lunch, and before and after school I know that this meager effort on my part is far from enough. I hope that this documentary raises awareness amongst everyone in society so we can work together and fix this inequity! My bright, sweet, talented yet troubled students deserve better!
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Posts:
1
Registered:
3/29/08
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(22 of 35)
Mar 29, 2008 10:12 PM
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I can nly hope that Lexi's Mom and Adam's Mom will read this post. I have never used the internet for a post but this documentary compelled me to at least send my thoughts somehow directly to them.
I see so much of myself in both of them in terms of their emotional responses to the diagnosis and the drive they feel to protect and have their children succeed and be valued.
Hillary and Roseanne (and all the Moms) were so open, so genuine, so real, so beautiful inside and out. Roseanne was so touching when she fought for the group and not just her son. Its so hard to do that sometimes for me when Im so focussed on my own pain and progress of my daughter. This was such an admirable thing for Adams parents to do.
Whoever chose these "stars" (parents and children) did an amazing job. I also liked the way the filmmakers made the audience fall in love with Henry (as I did with all he stars) for Henry and it was a pleasant surprise when you found out who his Dad was. The fimmakers ability to capture the pain and sorrow of parents, the intense passion and love for their children to be "ok" and heard (I almost was intears when I thought Adam didntwasnt going to play his piece; especially when his Mom said it was his ..."voice")
I worked in the field of autism for many years and now I am experiencing the other side of the coin as a parent.
These parents and their children are incredible people.
Elaine really has a gift for making the children feel heard, loved and good about themselves. It was apparent by the childrens comments themselves in the film.
I have never been able to see a "reason" (as some people say) that this happened to my daughter and my family. In a heartbeat I went from living a charmed life to losing my marriage and most importantly the dreams any parent would have for their daughter. (To be safe, valued, independent)
Seeing this documentary made me think for a moment that maybe their is a miracle in my own story waiting to happen.
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Edited by 4Hill at 03/29/2008 7:17 PM PDT
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Posts:
1
Registered:
3/29/08
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(21 of 35)
Mar 29, 2008 5:37 PM
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I have to say, this is one of the most inspiring documentaries I have seen. It was very emotional, and it shows, people like me, what it is like to have a child with a condition such as Autism. Im enraged at the speed in which this syndrome, has increased to affect so many families. How are we not doing the right thing, in finding a way to slow down, the number of cases.
I was deeply touched by all the kids, but specially by Lexi Aaron. Such a beautiful, SWEET, little girl. So much potential, regarless of being an autistic child. There was not a moment were, she didn't smile. So loving, and I have to point the fact that, on her baby videos, the is no sign of her having any problems. Like when, her father was asking her to point to her nose.
This show really, races awareness. There should be more documentaries about this syndrome, because, something needs to be done soon. Need to point out the fact that, this kids, regardless of their condition, have a very high potential. Perhaps, including a high artistic agenda, its a very good alternative therapy, and should be if it isn't yet backed up by the government. Since not many kids families have the means to provide this kids with more alternatives. 1 in 150 cases, its a tragedy, for many families off all social classes, and all these children should be given better opportunities.
Im not one to usually go into forums, however, I felt the need to share my interest, and concerns with regards to this problem.
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