We Thought You’d Never Ask: Voices of People with Autism 2009
Distributed by Landlocked Films, LLC, 1505 Mariposa Ave., Boulder, CO 80302; 303-447-2821
Produced by John P. Hussman Ph.D.
Director n/a
DVD, color, 28 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Health Sciences
Date Entered: 03/08/2010
Reviewed by Kay Hogan Smith, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of the Health SciencesWhat is it really like to be a member of that mysterious (and growing) club of people with autistic disorders? This brief documentary provides the perspective of a number of individuals across the spectrum, in the process demonstrating just how broad a spectrum it truly is. As one woman proclaims, “Define autism? That’s like asking you to define the Middle East – Iran? Iraq? Syria?” We Thought You’d Never Ask includes verbally gifted, personable adults as well as those who, while obviously quite intelligent, require assistive devices to communicate. Together they make an affecting plea for understanding and tolerance for the “differently-abled” among us, while giving us a glimpse of their strengths, challenges and views of the world. Indeed, it may surprise viewers to see how much in common they have with the subjects of this film. This documentary would make a good addition to any collection on neurological and developmental disabilities for both professionals and laypersons.