Watch Autism: Challenging Behaviour

Autism: Challenging Behaviour is a documentary film that provides an insight into the lives of families who have children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Released in 2013, the film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Reed and narrated by British actor David Tennant. The film focuses on the challenging behaviours that children with autism exhibit and the impact it has on their families. It explores the difficulties parents face in trying to understand and help their children cope with the disorder, and the frustration and exhaustion felt by the parents due to the lack of support from the healthcare system.

The film follows the stories of five families from different parts of the world, each with their own unique experiences of living with autism. It gives a detailed account of the struggles faced by the children, the obstacles they battle with, and the coping mechanisms they develop to deal with everyday life. The film also depicts the devastating impact that autism has on sibling relationships and family dynamics.

In one of the stories, a young boy named Jack has severe autism which renders him non-verbal and unable to communicate. Jack is shown struggling with sensory overload, anxiety, and aggression at school, making him a challenge to teach. The documentary team follows Jack's family as they try various treatments and therapies to help him, but ultimately have to resort to home-schooling to give Jack the best chance of improving.

Another family featured in the film is that of a 21-year-old woman named Beth. Despite the challenges posed by her autism, Beth has managed to develop a passion for music and dancing. The film captures how her love for music gives her a sense of purpose and helps her deal with the difficulties brought on by her disorder.

Autism: Challenging Behaviour also highlights the impact that insufficient resources and funding have on families affected by autism. In one instance, the film follows the story of a family living in rural Ontario, Canada, who have to resort to travelling hundreds of miles for expensive therapy sessions as their local healthcare system is unable to provide adequate support.

Throughout the film, parents discuss the feelings of isolation and loneliness they experience as they struggle to find support and understanding for their children's condition. They advocate for better resources and greater awareness about autism to help all families bearing the burden of the disorder.

The film concludes on a hopeful note, highlighting the resilience and determination of the families who live with autism every day. It stresses the importance of learning about autism and providing the necessary support to those living with it. The documentary encourages the viewer to see beyond the disorder and appreciate the unique qualities and strengths of individuals with autism.

In summary, Autism: Challenging Behaviour is a thought-provoking film that provides a powerful and emotional look at the impact of autism on families. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with the disorder and the urgent need for greater support and resources for families affected by autism.