Watch The Autistic Me

The Autistic Me, a documentary film released in 2009, is a highly emotional and insightful portrayal of three young men – Tom, Richard, and Alex – with autism. The film is shot by all three of them themselves, providing the unique perspective of their challenges and experiences, as they navigate their way in a world that is not always equipped to understand them. The documentary follows their lives over the course of a year, depicting how autism has affected each one of them in their unique way.

Tom, Richard, and Alex have each been diagnosed with different forms of autism. Tom, the youngest of the three, is a fun-loving and energetic teenager who struggles with accepting his diagnosis. He adores music and gaming, and often finds solace in these activities. Richard, on the other hand, is a young adult who is desperately trying to find independence while grappling with the perception that he’s not capable of functioning in society. Alex, the oldest of the three, is already living quite independently but is forced to make difficult life choices that come with the responsibility of being an adult, such as whether to continue living away from home or return to his family.

Through their own lenses, the film delves deep into each of their lives, revealing their challenges, their triumphs, and the everyday challenges that they face. It becomes apparent that even simple tasks like grocery shopping, catching a bus, communicating with people, or holding down jobs can feel like overwhelming challenges, yet they continue to persevere through their obstacles. The way that each of them copes and exploits their unique abilities is fascinating and inspiring.

What makes The Autistic Me unique is that it is not only just about autism but also details the human experience on a deeper level. At times the documentary is raw and unnerving, leaving us feeling a sense of empathy and respect for the courage and tenacity of the three protagonists.

The film challenges some of the common misconceptions about autism that are prevalent in society. By providing us with an insight into their lives as individuals, it shows us that autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It is a spectrum, and no two individuals are the same, lending nuance and perspective to our understanding of what autism is and how it can be experienced.

The documentary is shot exclusively by Tom, Richard, and Alex, giving the viewer a chance to see the world how they see it. The camera is always at the heart of the action. We see them as they see themselves, and the filmmakers' never attempt to change the reality of the situations that the three individuals are facing, leaving behind edited depictions of their experiences. This approach adds an authenticity to the story that is unheard of in most other films.

The film's director, Adam Feinstein, never intrudes on the story, letting their individual stories unfold naturally, without getting in the way of the candid moments that were captured. Feinstein’s approach is incredibly respectful and empathetic to the protagonists’ perspectives, never feeling like he is exploiting the three young men for views or sensationalism. Instead, he gives them a voice, humanizes them, and showcases the triumphs that come with the challenges.

In conclusion, The Autistic Me is an awe-inspiring documentary that is both moving and uplifting. It paints a picture of a world that is not always understood and celebrates the triumphs that come with individual challenges. The film will give you a deeper understanding of autism and what it means to be touched by it. It is a necessary reminder that everyone has a unique story to tell, and everyone deserves to be heard.