Your Opinion Requested: What Did You Think of Autism: The Musical?
By the way -- if you're like me, you're wondering what ever happened to the kids who starred in the musical featured in the documentary. After chatting with Elaine Hall, "star" of the film, I learned that Lexi, the 14-year-old singer, cut two songs which can now be downloaded from iTunes; Wyatt, the talented young man with Asperger syndrome, has stuck with the Miracle Project and continued to build his skills; and Neal, Elaine's son, has moved on to more athletic pursuits.
Just as importantly, Elaine tells me that the Miracle Project is now completing a package for communities interested in replicating the Miracle Project production. They're also offering training sessions and support.
If you do decide to try creating a Miracle Project production in your community, please let us know. It'd be great to hear how it went, and perhaps to link to video of your show!
Comments
How were you able to find out this information. I am worried about sounding to weird but I am a 21 year old aspie and I am always interested in helping other aspies out (even going into special education to make it my job
). After seeing a movie like this I was wondering if I would ever be able to help Wyatt out because his parents seemed to need the most help that I can offer… Once again I hope I don’t seem too weird… :Hides myself and waits for a reply lol:
I just watched the movie and I can’t even organize my thoughts for a review. All I can say is that I cried most of the time. I was mostly touched by Neal’s and Lexi’s stories. Elaine is absolutely remarkable as a human being. I’m so glad at the end she found a great guy to love her and her son.
Endersdragon — I actually interviewed both the director (Tricia Regan) and Elaine Hall, and asked them what happened to the kids. Of course, Tricia was focused most on making a great movie, but Elaine is focused most on the kids.
I was very surprised to hear that there’s a lot more to the program than meets the eye. Siblings really are included. Parents do a lot more than just watch (they’re involved with costumes, makeup, etc.). And at least some of the kids have really gone a long way with Elaine.
Lisa (autism guide)
So…. would there every be a way I could find out how to help the lil goofball (no offense meant here but he is certainly goofy, as was Henry) out?
I prepared myself to cry the whole time but I thought the movie was enlightening. It focused on the strengths of the children and the struggles of the parents. It showed how Autism effects the whole family. I absolutely loved it. Two thumbs up.
I thought the movie was fantastic. I saw my son in a few of the kids but the best was that woman Elaine for starting the group.Those kids were so wonderful.I hope they do more movies like that and start more groups in my area too. Thanks
Great Documentary. I was fascinated as I am by all kids with autism, by their lives and what goes on behind closed doors. What shocked me the most was how the parents were so obviously in need of individual therapy and marriage counseling. My husband and I work on our marriage almost as much as we work with our 5 year old boy with autism. I think all parents owe it to their children to try to work on their marriage. Most marriages seemed strained to begin with…once you add a child with special needs or any other stress factor and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Acceptance and understanding goes a long way.
I loved it. I cried a bunch but I smiled a lot, too. Neal reminded me a lot of my son. And Wyatt reminded me of my daughter a little bit. I imagine it must be extremely difficult to take so many hours of documentary footage and cut it down to 2 hours. I thought they did a great job showing family life and school issues as well as the beautiful personalities of the kids. My husband couldn’t finish watching it because he said he “wanted to stop crying.” It is hard to hear some of our fears about the future spoken outloud. I would like to see a similar movie about a group in their late teens and 20’s.
I was able to view a free online version of the entire documentary on http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/autism/index.html online which was nice because I don’t get HBO.
I found the entire show enlightening and heartwarming. It was great to see kids from all parts of the rainbow of autism instead of just one end or the other. I like how Elaine started out knowing that the beginning of rehearsals would be chaotic, but set up expectations and boundaries so that the kids had goals to reach. I also love how she utilized each of the kids gifts and unique talents and also utilized their ideas to help create a personalized show for the kids. The kids really seemed to get into the pretend and play acting and learned a lot from themselves and each other.
Overall, it was a terrific example showing how if we allow those in the autism community to shine, THEY WILL!! What a wonderful piece of entertainment, education and a gem of a production. Kudos to Elaine.
It is great to see so much attention to the positive side of these kids and what a wonderful tool for introducing autism to the community.
Joanna K-V
www.AisForAutism.net
One other thing, was I the only one who thought Veatrice (Adams aide) was wayyyyyyyyyyy too negative. She never had anything possitive to say about his condition. And limiting how much he can play with girls who clearly seemed to like him… I donno, she seemsed way to negative to me.
I’ve watched it twice.
The first time It was positive reinforcement for me. It gave me hope!
The second time I watched it I cried and felt more determined to give my son every opportunity within reach to live a more fullfilling life.
I have to say as a parent of a child with autism I was overwhelmed by the range of children. My son loves music and enjoys being with his peers. I cannot imagine what kind of an experience this must have been for the children as well as their families. A wonderful effort for all of the participants. Music is the food of life. Our children must play on in whatever roles may be given to them and their voices/actions must be received and valued. I would love to see more about all of the families and children. I can relate as a parent with a child who is diagnosed with autism and empathize with all of the families. We shall persevere and stay strong for our children. They have to be heard and we will strive to survive in a cruel and judgmental world. Love and hope to all!!
We Loved This Informative Movie On Autism!