Awareness - Day 6

Photo from the BBC News website

Well, I asked for better representations of autism and that is what I got tonight with Louis Theroux's Extreme Love: Autism. Granted, Theroux's films are documentaries, so the people on the screen were real, not fictional portrayals, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Extreme Love: Autism is a refreshingly different look into the lives of children with autism and their families. The kids involved display varying levels of functioning, different developmental trajectories and a range of both positive and negative behaviors. There are tantrums and affectionate gestures, achievements and set-backs - often involving the same person. The portrayals are brutally honest, yet still endearing. This documentary is well worth your time and anyone wishing to better understand what living with autism means should check it out.

Extreme Love: Autism will be available for viewing on the BBC iPlayer for the next two weeks. Unfortunately iPlayer isn't available in the U.S., but considering Theroux's popularity you may be able to find some clips from the show on YouTube relatively soon. Also, you can read a written summary of the documentary on the BBC News website, by clicking HERE.

Happy awareness!

Love.