Have I got a rental for you! Life, Animated is a documentary film about Owen and his family as they navigate and adjust to his autism. The film uses old videos to capture Owen’s early years. But there’s more to the story:
- Language Regression – The family videotaped Owen’s early years, which reveals before and after footage of his language regression. It’s hard to get video footage of this, and although I wasn’t entirely sure what happened with his language development, it was extremely interesting to see what happened.
- Family Impact – The documentary gives the viewer front row seats in their lives as they come to grips with Owen’s diagnosis. They also go through therapies, which I found interesting as an SLP.
- Use of Cartoons – Owen was obsessed with Disney. Sometimes I suggest to families to limit screen time to children with communication disorders (because the passive experience of watching TV is not as beneficial as active language use). But this family used the movies to gain access into how Owen processed the world through Disney characters and movie clips. That was so cool how they used their child’s interests to help him communicate. It’s a reminder to use our students’ interests in therapy planning.
- Group Home Life – It’s not often we get a peek into life in a group home or apartment. I was really intrigued about how it was set up. Another way to gather information for our clients as they plan for the future.
- Clients Dating – We all have feelings and we all desire love and acceptance. I watched as Owen has his first girlfriend and what happened when things didn’t go as planned. Owen has to deal with his emotions as he experienced what everyone in love has to go through.
I definitely recommend you rent the movie — and let me know your thoughts!
