On the Spectrum: Coping with Asperger's & Autism

Filmmaker Jeff Grinta's inspiring documentary On the Spectrum combines profiles of three adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder who have grown up learning how to manage in the “regular” world, and interviews of medical professionals, parents, and special education teachers. Reminding viewers that children with ASD also exhibit a tendency towards excellence in math, science, or music, On the Spectrum offers a refreshing change of pace from similar titles focusing exclusively on the difficulties of living or working with ASD children. Perhaps the best insight of all here is provided by eighth-grader Isaak Jensen, who writes in an essay, “I think autism was just a particular gift that gave me a challenge in life. After all, we're just ourselves, that's all.” Parents bounced from one specialist to another looking for an explanation for their child's behavior can take heart from this fundamental truth. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (R. Reagan)