Educational Media Reviews Online

The video Don’t Give Up documents a family’s continual daily struggles with parenting a child who has autism, a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas of social interaction and communication. While children with autism have varying degrees of the disorder, the focus of this video is on a four year-old boy named Adrian who is operating on the higher functioning end of the autism spectrum. After investigating various therapies, Adrian’s parents decide that it is best to enroll their special needs child into a therapeutic program where Adrian can be given one-on-one attention.

The story concentrates on the emotional highs and lows of raising a child with autism, and the promise that treatment can bring to those who are willing to seek out early educational intervention. The obvious benefit of consistent treatment is documented over a two-year time period. Noticeable cognitive and social changes take place in Adrian in the short time that he is treated.

The production of this video is well done. The pace of the story keeps the viewer interested to the final outcome. Commentary by Dr. Elisabeth P. Brandt is sprinkled throughout the video and helps explain the behaviors of children with autism, and the rationale for using the Socialization, Communication & Education Program, (SCEP) a therapeutic treatment program.

This highly recommended video would be a wonderful choice for in-service professional training workshops. Additionally, academic libraries with teacher education programs would find this title to be of use for both educators and parents. Don’t Give Up would also be a welcome, valuable resource for public libraries and curriculum centers.