Amazon.comIt's hard to imagine an unlikelier feel-good documentary than the uplifting Autism: The Musical. Directed for HBO by Tricia Regan, but truly the brainchild of the vision--and sheer will--of Elaine Hall, the film is both unflinching in its portrayal of autism, and triumphant in the ways it shows connections among the film's subjects. For those dealing with autism--and as the diagnosis grows more common, that would be nearly everyone--this film is enlightening, engaging, and reaffirming. The film chronicles the first theater arts endeavor of the L.A.-based Miracle Project, the creation of Hall ("Coach E"), a playwright and the single mother of Neal, a nearly speechless autistic boy. Through networking, Hall has met a group of parents of children with an enormous range of autistic symptoms and decides to try a workshop in which the children will, in a matter of months, be cohesive enough to perform in a stage production. The film follows Hall from the initial (and skeptical) meetings of the parents, and introduces the several children followed throughout the rehearsal period. Part of the disarming strength of the film is that it changes its perspective on showing the children's personalities. Viewers first meet 14-year-old Lexi when she's singing a musically complex Joni Mitchell song, in a clear, absolutely lovely soprano, in what appears to be a regular singing lesson. Only later do we learn that Lexi, diagnosed with autism as a toddler, has a hard time originating her own speech--thoughhearing her sing, the viewer would never have guessed. (Her parents still struggle with Lexi's condition, with her mother alternating between frustration and despair, and her father calmly saying, "It's not up to us to judge the quality of her life.") Other kids with behavioral issues or communication challenges are among the cast members, and the early scenes show a barely-controlled chaos that clearly mirrors the daily lives of the parents. The toll of dealing with their children is shown, as marriages break up and friendships are strained. Yet love blossoms in the most unlikely places, asHall shows midway through the film. By the triumphant finale, the viewer is as invested in the children's lives as the parents, and the performances, while perhaps not what one would have expected at the beginning, present nothing short of a true "Bravo!" moment. As the kids sing, "Take a chance--get to know the real me." --A.T. Hurley
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best film I have seen about autism It has been some months since I first saw this film, and I found it to be entertaining and educational, but most of all extremely moving. It shows why autism is considered a spectrum disorder, and how both people with autism and their families cope in the many ways humans do. There is nothing sentimental about the film, and yet is is very humanistic, in the best sense of the word. Kudos to the director and all those involved. Anybody who has someone affected by autism will be moved, and the general public would do itself a favor by watching this inspiring documentary.
Amazon.comAutism Yesterday is a new documentary that explores an emerging truth many parents are discovering: Autism is a reversible condition through a process known as "biomedical intervention". Through the eyes of five families and their recovering children, Autism Yesterday chronicles heart-wrenching stories of despair, hope, and recovery. This 30-minute documentary puts an extraordinarily controversial topic into the hands of the viewer to decide, through the words of the families and affected children, where truth actually lies.
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REVIEW
Wonderful Documentary Thank you Generation Rescue for making a little film with such a BIG message and BIGGER heart!!! It was hard not to nod my head through the entire thing because everything I wanted to shout about my son and our experience was being said right there on the big screen!!! I agree that it is important for anyone whose life is touched by autism to watch this movie. But I also think it's equally important for anyone who isin the dark about this epidemic to watch it and get some insight!!!!! Watch it and pass it on!!!!!!!!!!
Amazon.comThis Oscar-nominated documentary is a collection of thoughts written by autistic 26-year old Sue Rubin who takes viewers on a poignant journey into her world to educate the public while empowering the autistic community toward their potential. "This is not my voice, but these are my words," begins Rubin as she tells her story (narrated by Julianna Margulies) of being diagnosed with autism as a young child and assumed mentally retarded until, at age 13, she was trained to use Facilitated Communication, a verbal tool that enabled her mind to "wake up." Rubin was reassessed with an IQ that allowed her to attend high school and college and live on her own, assisted by a team of caregivers. The film briefly explains autism and how it affects the brain’s wiring, yet is not meant to be a tutorial on neuro-biology but rather a personal attempt at unveiling a world that is both frustrating and confusing. Rubin discusses her feelings about solitude, social situations, and the need for familiar places and routines. Though autism will be her constant struggle, Rubin’s story is both inspiring and thought provoking. While the film does not presume to be the final word on autism, it is a beginning--and a noble one at that. (Ages 12 and older) --Lynn Gibson
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Insight into Autism Sue Rubin tells her story and provides insight into living with autism in this terrific documentary. She explains some of her autistic behaviors and thought patterns. A "must see" for those wanting to understand to get a first person perspective on autism.
Amazon.comThrough the eyes of Autism is a short film that shows an autistic child's world through visual imagery, music, sound effects, and text. This film uses different attributes of autism as chapters. The film is entirely through the child's point of view and uses typical childhood settings like school, the playground, and home to show their world
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REVIEW
Autism through their eyes This short film is nicely done with visual imagery, music, quotes on screen with text and interesting sound effects. This is all done Through the eyes of Autism. This journey is similar to what a child on the Autism Spectrum would deal with on a daily basis. They are just a few of the attributes of autism.
Through the eyes of Autism starts off with some fuzzy images and quoted text on the screen until the image is totally focused. The first quote is by a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum mentioning how relieved she was to get a diagnosis so she would know what to do with her child.
When this segment is over we see a hand go to the PECS schedule board and turn over the free play card to All Done and move on to the next sign of sensory. Viewers will get a sense of what sensory overload is like. There is a spinning top toys, bubbles being blown around, a child is mushing a toy car into shaving cream and rice is dumping from a hand landing into a table where there are toys. This is similar to our bean table at home since rice is smallerand hard to pick up off the floor on a daily basis. I must say though that rice and beans together is a nice tactile experience.
The sounds sometimes come before the image, as is the case with a balloon losing air inside a classroom setting. This lands on a bean bag chair that has a book opened up and turned upside down. There is a lullaby playing in the background making one think this is quiet time.
thought the short film was tastefully done and beneficial to those who know nothing about Autism Spectrum Disorders. A good primer for other parents, support groups, babysitters, respite workers, college students, new teachers and therapists.
It will give you an inside look at what is going on around the child on the Autism Spectrum and how they take in all this information, images and auditory effects and how it can get all mixed up and jumbled in the mind, which in turn creates overload and confusion and can then bring on tantrums, etc.
DescriptionSpectrum Connections is all about Connections, connecting autistic children to their own thoughts, words, and actions, as well as connecting autistic children with their parents. For the parents of kids on the Spectrum, there is extremely limited, if any, appropriate entertainment product for their children. These DVD's and associated music CD's, are designed to provide these often overwhelmed and highly motivated parents with some much needed relief and joy at seeing their children appropriately entertained. This class is led by licensed music therapist and gifted entertainer, Elizabeth Balzano, MA, MT-BC, and the playful and communicative computer-animated character, Balloo. the DVD features original songs and activities that help children identify and coordinate basic emotions and physical activities. The DVD includes added features and information for Parents.
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Very engaging! * Great for kids on the spectrum* My 4 1/2 yr old daughter loves this video...asks to watch it daily. She is always singing the songs around the house.
his DVD is an Introduction to The Son-Rise Program®, a unique program and methodology designed to treat children and adults with autism. The Son-Rise Program was created by authors/teachers Barry Neil Kaufman and Samahria Lyte Kaufman when their son, Raun, was diagnosed as severely and incurably autistic. Although advised to institutionalize him because of his supposed hopeless, lifelong condition, the Kaufmans instead designed an innovative home-based, child-centered program in an attempt to reach their little boy. The Kaufmans' unique program, which marked a complete departure from existing methods of treatment, transformed Raun from a mute, withdrawn child with an IQ of less than 30 into a highly verbal, socially interactive youngster with a near-genius IQ. Bearing no traces of his former condition, Raun graduated from an Ivy League university and went on to become the director of an educational center for school-aged children. He is currently the CEO of Autism Treatment Center of AmericaTM and The Option Institute. Following the publication of the best-selling book, Son-Rise (now updated to Son-Rise: The Miracle Continues), and the award-winning NBC-TV movie Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love, the Kaufmans were flooded with requests for help. Responding to this demand, the Kaufmans established The Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of AmericaTM, where they have been offering The Son-Rise Program since 1983.
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The Best Strategies for Autism that I have ever seen!!! This is the most informative DVD with actual tools that can help my child today!!! The booklet that it comes with is also a wonderful bonus! I love that so many of the tools he gives us are backed by published studies! I have purchased so many DVD's regarding Autism and they have not even come close to this one. I was never bored and I could not believe I was laughing and crying at the same time. When I finished the DVD I was so inspired by Raun Kaufman. I felt like it was my own mini training session. I love that I can go back and click on different sections on the DVD and watch again different goals. I really feel like I came away with practical ways that make sense to help my son. My son is doing so well and I encourage ALL to buy this amazing, inspirational and practical DVD! It is the best one out there!
DescriptionEmbracing Play DVD teaches parents how to keep a child with autism engaged through what comes naturally to most children---play. Playing is the doorway for a parent and young child with autism to connect and communicate. And this video gives parents a way to open that doorway. For a child with autism, interactions with people and objects such as toys can be very difficult or atypical. This video is an ideal tool for parents of newly diagnosed children waiting to begin a formal program such as ABA or for parents and therapists who want to supplement an ongoing course of therapy.
Embracing Play shows dozens of play sessions between parent or professional and child. Using a technique called Object Focused Play, developed by the Behavioral Intervention Association, the video teaches parents how to use toys to capture a child’s attention and initiate learning. Very easy-to-follow, these scenes allow parents to replicate the same play activities at home, and begin to help their child interact with people and objects in their surrounding environment.
To get started, first establish what toy or activity a child is most interested in. This "entry point," such as pouring water or dropping a ball, sets the foundation for simple play routines and helps maintain a child’s interest, which is crucial. Trying to establish a regular schedule of play sessions is another key to success, as often as 3 hours per day, 5 days a week if possible. Embracing Play opens up new avenues of interaction and learning for children with autism.The benefits of these play skills pave the way for communication and social development.
Public Performance Rights ARE available for this product.
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Great introduction video. This video is a great introduction to ABA based play. It is easy to follow and great for parents and students.
Is "recovery" possible? Kelly Londenberg, a 21-year-old therapist who has worked with over 300 autistic children believes that "recovery" is possible. Because of her extensive background in working with many autistic children and young adults, she has gathered years of practical experience and knowledge. But what is truly unique about her insightful knowledge is that fact that she is autistic herself.
In this video interview, Kelly shares her thoughts and experiences with autism and how it feels to be autistic. She discusses her experience with sensory problems, the pain of being touched, her difficulties with emotions, how food such as milk and bread affect her behavior and why changes in her environment affects her emotionally.
This video interview is a fascinating look into the mind of an autistic person who answers many question relating to her experiences and how she sees the world. For any family touch by autism, this documentary is an invaluable resource for understanding and helping others to understand what is truly going on in the mind of an autistic child.
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A picture is worth a thousand words As a teacher of students with Autism, I always wondered what is it like to have the disability. I also wondered how would I describe it to other professionals who are struggling to understand the phenomenon. The ABA therapist's description of what someone without Autism would have to experience to feel Autistic. This scenarios helped to put my questions in perspective. Her description of the three radios on static channels, the essay being read aloud and the disco bulb spinning all at the same time, made it easy to understand their world. I could only imagine going through this experience and becoming frustrated with all the distractions. This video also helped me to understand even further the need for persons with Austismto have lifelong support. It was refreshing to see that the young lady in the video could share her experience with the parent to help him understand his child's world.
DescriptionThis DVD introduces parents to Occupational Therapy (OT) and what it can do for a child. Occupational Therapist, Britt Collins, combines traditional Occupation Therapy exercises with Applied Behavior Analysis to teach parents and caregivers various skills which can assist in desensitizing a child and help them on the path to reprogramming their brain function. Britt guides us through this program in both clinical and easy to follow terms. She also provides families with a guideline on how to integrate "sensory diets" into their home.
Britt and the children demonstrate basic OT activities that are easily accessible at home with items such as shaving cream, hula hoops, and rice and beans. Britt shows how to keep children interested by keeping sessions fun, at the same time she explains how each exercise is helping the child.
REVIEW
Parents can contribute to their child's intervention! What I appreciate most about this DVD is that it gives credit to parents of special needs children that they're doing their homework, they're figuring out what works for their children and they're actively participating in their children's early intervention. Thank you for valuing our input! I emailed the OT on this DVD for her philosophy behind the DVD and her response was, "I may only see your child for an hour a week. It helps me and your child for you to participate anddo these activities at home so that your child gets the best results."
The DVD covers a lot of sensory issues. My son has always disliked touching things like paint, glue, dirt, grass, etc. This DVD talks about and gives examples (with children) of different things to do to try and desensitize the child so that they can tolerate different textures.
There is a section on oral motor skills for children who have difficulty speaking, they may drool, or don't like having their teeth brushed. The section on auditory processing reminded me of Supernanny and just learning that the kids need to process information, keep your words simple and concise, don¡¦t give up and try to be patient. Stuff like that. There is another section that covers trampoline exercises and explains how and why this is helping your child. I had always wondered why the swing and trampoline are so good for children with special needs and now I know.
My son's OT has always told me to make an obstacle course at home. There is a section on this DVD "Organization of Behavior" that does this, shows kids at different levels going throughthe motions, and why and how this is helping. It's simple, however, those of you with kids like mine, NOTHING IS SIMPLEº
The Occupational Therapist, Britt Collins, is a pleasure to watch. She speaks in OT terms, which take a little getting used to, but also explains on a parent level.
One of the children on the DVD is a typical child and because I babysit my typical niece often, I was happy that this showed activities to do to have my son and niece interact. They're both getting therapy and don't even know it because it's fun stuff and we make it into games.
I've read a few OT books, and there are a few really good ones out there, but I liked watching and learning visually. It gave me confidence that I can do it too. It won't make me an OT, but it does help me help my child and that's all that matters. Thank you
The My World Learning-Colors DVD is designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Down Syndrome and other developmental delays. This DVD introduces children to the exciting world of colors that exists all around them. This creative DVD includes color displays by the "Bristle Bunch", real life images and animated characters. In addition, this DVD also includes a Repeat Play function and a easy to understand menu. The My World Learning Colors DVD has a running time of approximately 25 minutes. Each My World Learning DVD has been intelligently crafted based on research and training, using specific therapy techniques utilized in speech/language and relationship therapy. This allows for children with neuroprocessing disorders to attain comprehension of concepts and have a fun and entertaining experience. Concept repetition, voice altered inflection/intonation, declarative statements and a pace that has been slowed down phonetically are important details included in this and other My World Learning DVDs.
