Normal People Scare Me

Taylor Cross, an autistic 17-year-old, says early on here, “I want this to be good for the parents who have autistic kids and the kids themselves.” In Normal People Scare Me, Cross and his mother and co-director, Keri Bowers, have created an intimate view of life with this neurological disorder, which affects communication and social skills. Autistic children from different ages, genders, and ethnic groups discuss their feelings about having autism, difficulty in making friends, getting teased at school, and various things that disturb them, among many other topics. In addition, parents candidly talk about the difficulties and rewards of raising an autistic child, while therapists and teachers share their methods for enhancing the communication skills of autistic children through art and inclusion in the classroom. As the documentary travels through the world of autism (interspersed throughout is footage depicting children participating in various programs, such as surfing camps and acting classes), Cross serves as frontman and interviewer, and it's clear that making this documentary has obviously helped him. Unfortunately, the film is marred by awkward transitions, repetitive footage, and pacing that seems both loose and rambling. Those who live and work with autistic children may overlook these shortcomings and identify with the message of the film, making this a worthwhile purchase for larger consumer health or parenting collections. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Wadland)