Review of Autism: The Musical (2007) by Michael M — 13 Nov 2014

As a person with Asperger's, I have the same issues with this film that I will have with any film about autism. Some of the issues raised by the parents are flawed, and some of the behaviors are somewhat offensive and even a bit condescending.

Still, the good outweighs the bad. It shows that parents struggle with the diagnosis, but also shows how they can eventually accept their child for their own uniqueness. The musical aspect of it may seem exploitative, but its intentions are actually quite honest.

Seeing an autistic girl who only parrots others go on stage and sing a full song is quite moving. Some of its information is flawed, but it gets enough things right for me to forgive it. It's spreading knowledge of the condition in an approachable manner, and I respect that a lot.