I thought it would be nice to have a compiled list of movies and TV programs about Autism, Intellectual and other disabilities and differences. So, here are a few, in no particular order, that I and some Twitter friends came up with. I will do a part 2 maybe even 3 if needed so that the list doesn't get overwhelmingly long.
*Note that I am not necessarily endorsing any of these films or programs as being authentic representations or otherwise accurate portrayals of any disability or difference.
Adam
Mozart and The Whale
Snow Cake
My Name Is Khan
Loving Lampposts
Wretches & Jabberers
Last Orders
What's Eating Gilbert Grape
"Loving Lampposts" fills me with apprehension upon seeing Jenny McCarthy. Hopefully it shows sides other than her pseudo-science. Aside from that, all of these movies sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I get what you mean. I haven't seen the movie, but if I am remembering correctly (and I may not be) the film is made by someone on the spectrum and they speak out against people like McCarthy.... but I could be thinking about another movie. Jenny McCarthy is a really huge hot button issue with me, so if the movie promotes her views without showing how incredibly damaging and false they are I don't want to see it, either.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Loving Lampposts yet, but i do know the film maker is the father of an autistic child. I believe he introduces the viewer to the pro-cure crowd ((including Jenny McCarthy) but does not espouse her views. I think part of the point of the film is to show that autism is not a thing to be cured (not even sure the vaccination issue comes up). I may watch it tonight or tomorrow to find out. McCarthy also a hot button with me.
ReplyDeleteHi there, here's more for your list:
ReplyDeleteRain Man (cliche, I know)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man
Mercury Rising
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Rising
Mary and Max
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_and_Max
The Black Balloon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Balloon_(film)
The Boy Who Could Fly (watched this one ad nauseum when I was growing up, thanks Disney Channel)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boy_Who_Could_Fly
Re: Loving Lampposts, I remember reading a really good synopsis of it by Steve Silberman when it came out... here it is:
http://blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/2011/03/29/loving-lampposts-a-groundbreaking-documentary-about-autism-love-and-acceptance/
Cheers!
Thanks! I have done some research and found almost 50 more! I was amazed at how many there were. So.... I need to get busy posting. It takes awhile to put them on there with bold print that makes it more legible and with proper code for video. I suppose there wouldn't be so many if I didn't include all disabilities, but I really enjoy watching any movies where one of the characters have a difference/disability.
DeleteMercury Rising breaks my heart in two, as does Black Balloon as they are both an extremely close portrayal of my gorgeous boy.
DeleteFrom what I've seen The Black Balloon is quite a lot like my Beans,too. I plan on watching the whole thing soon.
DeleteJust my thoughts, but "Adam" shook me up so much it took me days to recover. I have an 11 yr old Aspie son and I want so much more for him than a "girlfriend" who leaves him because he doesn't "love" her the way she thinks he needs to. It's true that my son is extremely high functioning and most people suspect he was misdiagnosed, but it was a rough movie for me. I wish I had never watched it. I'm not saying it was a bad movie, but upset me when thinking about my child's future.
ReplyDeleteStrange, because I thought that Adam has been probably the best portrayal of AS that I've seen so far, IMO. True there were some very, very sad parts that indeed shook me up for days as well. But, in the end I felt it showed him leaning on his strengths and able to care for himself so that he may be free to care for someone else in a way that leaves both parties in the relationship feeling cared for and loved. Life with AS isn't always perfect, but we can find love if we want it are willing to give it. Please, don't give up hope on that. I've been married for almost 14 yrs, so it can happen.
DeleteThe sad parts really had me shook up, but I do agree that it portrayed him as being able to care for himself. I struggle every day with giving my son the strength, ability and advocacy to find that love - and I love hearing your success story! Just reading your response reassures me that my son will be able to make it in this world!!! :) THANKS for that, I really needed it!!
DeletePlease don't fear for your son. Show him what love is and can be. Be his support system and encourage him to explore the world with the assistance of occupational therapy, if he is not already doing so.
DeleteRelationships have not been easy for me, as a thirty year old with AS, but I still try the best I can. I have fallen in and out of love. I am currently dating a wonderful person who does their best to understand my needs and help me understand theirs. They are patient with me and have taken the time to recognize my triggers. They are respectful enough to give me space when I need it and openly communicate their feelings, so that I can understand the causes behind those feelings. It may take your son time, but even if he doesn't find someone as I have, he will still have friends and family members to love... and I'm sure he will also learn to love himself, which is the most important and enlightening love he can have.