Autism Speaks has just released a short feature, Autism Every Day. This hard-hitting piece of documentary journalism presents clips from the lives of families coping with the daily challenges of raising classically autistic children. The film has received high praise for its power and impact -- and seems to be well-received across the board. A word of warning, however: while it may make parents of autistic children feel a little less alone, it will certainly leave them feeling emotionally raw.
Autism Every Day was produced by Lauren Thierry and Jim Watkins of October Group and Eric Solomon of Milestone Video. The film was screened at A New Decade for Autism, a fundraising event held May 9, 2006 in New York City, and subsequently broadcast by Don Imus on his show on MSNBC.
Emotionally raw is an understament. I sobbed through the whole thing, it was like someone had a secret camera on my life. From weeks of no sleep, to our house being like a zoo, and people around me not quite getting how all encompassing having an autistic child is, the film hit the nail right on the head. I loved the mother who said she wasn’t trained to be a therapist, she had been drafted. By far the most realistic thing I’ve seen on living with autism everyday!
I thought this was the most negative video I’ve ever seen about autistics. It was horrifying. Not all our lives are this way, not all our children are exactly like these kids – and not all our philosophies are the same, either.
I think this video is a great way of others viewing our daily lives. Though the degrees in which live are much different but still the same. Its a struggle whether it be same or large, whether its over a shirt or a pair of mittens its still a struggle we wouldnt have if Autism didnt have a part in it. I comment anyone for showing awareness.
I enjoyed your film, I saw it about a year ago on the news and even though it was about 5am in the morning, I never forgot it.
I am doing a training on Autism on March 6-7, 2008 and would liked to show this film. It is not only for the parents but for the teachers who need to be sensitized to the challenges for the parents,when the children leave their classrooms.