Educational Media Reviews Online

This documentary film looks at a group of students attending Gateway Academy, a private K-12 day school specializing in students with high-functioning autism, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder—all which fall under the category of autism spectrum disorders. The film details the difficulties that families are faced with in learning the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and offers an understanding of the world of Asperger’s. It is a film filled with hope.

The students at the gateway school are truly the stars of this film. We hear them talk about their fears, goals and dreams. We hear them quote Shakespeare with a twist of Hannah Montana. We see them struggle with tactile defensiveness and other sensory issues that can send them into a rage. We feel their frustrations and loneliness. We also get to see their successes. We see these characteristically socially awkward children make best friends and connections with other students and teachers. We observe them behaving more acceptably with their siblings and parents and witness them learning how to better self-regulate by using a “peace room.”

Some of the specific courses taught at Gateway include stage combat, drama, music and equine therapy as well as courses in history and mathematics. While it would be nice to learn more about the curriculum at Gateway Academy, this film is really about any child with an autism spectrum disorder, not the school. Be that as it may, Gateway’s faculty and staff deserve a round of applause for all of their compassionate and patient efforts and hard work in educating the children at their school and showing us that these children can indeed become responsible and independent adults.

This film is suitable for any media collection or school where occupational therapy, physical therapy, health, education, special education and psychology are offered. This film is highly recommended for anyone who knows someone with an autism spectrum disorder.