Autism: A World Apart

From The Fanlight Collection

Directed by Karen Cunninghame

29 minutes / Color
Release: 1988
Copyright: 1988

Autism's cause is unknown. There is no cure, and it strikes each victim differently. In this candid documentary, three families show us what the textbooks and studies cannot: what it's like to live with autism day after day, to love and raise children who may be withdrawn, violent, and unable to make connections with their families.

The parents of six-year-old Jessica spend most of their time and resources trying to teach her simple skills of communication and daily living. Believing the condition has made them stronger, they are still heartbroken by the limitations it places on their daughter's future. After years of aggressive, unpredictable behavior, which strained their relations with each other and with their other children, Chris's parents placed him in a group home. He has since become more independent, and better able to interact with his family. While Greg's family feels it is time for him to live independently, they have not been able to find an appropriate placement.

"An outstanding, sympathetic look at autism and at three coping, caring families."—Booklist

"A sensitively presented introduction to the complex psychological and emotional issues surrounding family care for the autistic child."—Video Rating Guide

Other Ways to Watch

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals, and Corporations

Purchase DVD for $195.00

Available for educational streaming from:

Credits

Karen Cunninghame
for the Autism Society of America, Los Angeles chapter

Select Accolades

  • Blue Ribbon, American Film Festival
  • Best of Category, Birmingham Film Festival
  • American Journal of Nursing Media Awards

RELATED TITLES

An intensely personal film about growing up with Asperger Syndrome, following 12-year-old Adam as he struggles to make sense of bullies, girls, and life in the real world.

Marianne Kaplan | 2006 | 47 minutes | Color | English

From the 1950's through the 1970's, autism was widely blamed on cold and rejecting mothers. This film explores the devastating impact of this misdiagnosis through the stories of seven mothers and their children.

David Simpson, J.J. Hanley, and Gordon Quinn | 2002 | 53 minutes | Color | English

This documentary brings Autism syndrome out of the shadows, stressing that young people with developmental disabilities can learn and grow, if their individual needs, styles, and abilities are respected.

Gail Levin, Ann Reinking, and O. Robin Sweet | 2008 | 62 minutes | Color | English