Autism Acceptance Month: Videos and Podcasts

Putting the puzzle together, one beautiful piece at a time. This film is a genuine and straightforward look into the autism spectrum disorder as told by the families and individuals living with autism daily. Many parents are interviewed including Ruth Sullivan, Ph.D., the mother of a man named Joe who was the inspiration for Dustin Hoffman’s autistic character in the movie Rain Man. We also hear from a young woman named Alexis, the first autistic person to run for the title of Miss America. Autistic behaviors such as difficulty communicating, outbursts, etc. are examined in the film, as are the financial and emotional effects on parents. The film looks at young years, discipline, transition into high school and college, employment possibilities, and marriage for people with autism. Narrated by Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy).

Based on the writings by its title subject, HBO Films’ Temple Grandin is an engaging portrait of an autistic young woman who became, through timely mentoring and sheer force of will, one of America’s most remarkable success stories. With a tour de force performance by Claire Danes in the title role, the film chronicles Grandin’s early beginnings as a child diagnosed with autism; her turbulent growth and development during her school years; and the enduring support she received from her mother, her aunt and her science teacher. Against all odds, Temple eventually transitioned into a highly-functional, esteemed inventor in the cattle industry, which she revolutionized with her scientific research and designs. This visually inventive film offers stunning insights into Grandin’s world, taking the audience inside her mind with a series of snapshot images that trace her self-perceptions and journey from childhood through young adulthood to the beginning of her career, and beyond.

Einstein, Beethoven, Mozart, van Gogh—all displayed symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome. But not every person with Asperger’s is a genius. This program follows a self-described eccentric who, after discovering he matches up with the general Asperger’s profile, sets out on a quest to learn all he can about the disorder—and whether he truly does have it. Along the way, he speaks with author Michael Fitzgerald, Professor Temple Grandin, Professor Alan Snyder, Wired magazine’s Steve Silberman, Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, and a number of children and adults with AS about topics ranging from Asperger’s traits, to possible causes of the condition, to “Geek Syndrome” and the AQ Test. A warm and understanding look into the very different world of autism spectrum disorders.

Jonathan Chase describes the benefits and drawbacks to being diagnosed with Autism. It includes a broad spectrum of symptoms and sensitivities. When he was first diagnosed, doctors told his parents he would never have strong relationships with others, live alone, or work with his hands.