Misunderstood Minds

As many as one in five families, according to current estimates, have children with learning disabilities, many of whom languish in a public school system that is unaware or unresponsive to their needs, often leading to devastating results. Produced and directed by Frontline filmmaker Michael Kirk, Misunderstood Minds, hosted by ABC News Nightline correspondent Chris Bury (a parent of a learning disabled child himself), and featuring Dr. Mel Levine, and other experts in the field, presents the touching stories of five families as they struggle to obtain help for the problems confronting their children. Introducing viewers to the five types of learning disabilities, outlining the behavioral manifestations of learning disabled children, and exploring cutting edge treatments, the program interweaves interviews with parents, the children themselves, and educators, as it follows the five subjects over a period of several years. An outstanding title that does an excellent job of raising awareness of learning disabilities and how they affect children, their families, and school systems, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)