Autism: The Musical

Filed under: Themes, Auties & Aspies, QuIrked Kids, Irked Videos 

Autism: The Musical

In 1980 autism was a relatively rare disorder, diagnosed in one in 10,000 children. Now it is one in 150.

Autism: The Musical counters today’s bleak statistics with one woman’s optimistic pledge to lead a group of autistic children in defying diagnosed expectations by writing, rehearsing and performing their own full-length musical.

Autism: The Musical is a call to arms, bringing attention to a modern-day epidemic while celebrating the value of the human spirit in overcoming any challenge. The film introduces Neal, Lexi, Henry, Adam and Wyatt—five autistic kids who, along with their parents, take part in a groundbreaking theatrical workshop. The Miracle Project was started by Neal’s mother Elaine Hall, with an eye towards helping children with autism express themselves while learning to socialize with other kids. Over the course of six months, we experience the frustrations, challenges and triumphs of the families both on stage and in their home lives as they prepare for “The Big Show.”

The creative process provides a key to unlocking the children’s inner worlds. This musical production gives these performers a comfort zone in which they can explore their creative sides. We see how patience, understanding, love and community can be used to help children with autism better adapt to the world at large.

*Autism: The Musical debuted on HBO in April 2008. It’s 93 minutes long.

Here’s a clip of a very moving scene (footage courtesy of HBO):

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And here is more (footage courtesy of HBO):

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Autism: The Musical on YouTube:

An in-depth interview with filmmaker Tricia Regan:

Critical acclaim:

To read many, many glowing reviews about Autism: The Musical click here.

Purchase info:

Now available on DVD through Docurama Films!

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