Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story Review and Giveway

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by Martianne Stanger

Poignant, educational, cathartic and real. To me, Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story is all of these things.

It is heart-warming account of one family’s journey into the unknown that chronicles the story of the Linthorsts from the parents, Erik and Jennie’s delight at the “perfection” of their child Graham at birth to their realization, when Graham was 17-months old, that something was different about him, through their initial efforts to discover the correct diagnosis and therapies for Graham. In doing so, the film offers catharsis for those going through similar experiences and education for those who are unfamiliar with children who are “autistic-like”. It details the Linthorst’s journey with a good balance of personal perspective and educational information, making it a film that anyone touched by the quest to help an autistic-like child – no matter how inconclusive that child’s diagnosis might be – should see. Parents, educators, therapists and community members could all benefit from the film.

Heartwarming
As I watched Autistic Like: Graham’s Story, more than once, I found my eyes brimming with tears as I empathized with Eric and Jennie’s evident mix of love, confusion, dedication, fear and will as they sought to read, research and do whatever they could to help their son Graham through his early years. Truly, the documentary pulled at my heart strings – but in a very good way.

Educational
I also found the film quite instructive. Seeing the process the Linthorsts went through – and so carefully documented – and hearing about the choices they made, the therapy approaches they tried, and the conclusions they are still grasping to reach opened my eyes to some things I had not yet recognized. It also gave me some new directions to explore, such as Floortime therapy, which in now on my list.

Cathartic
And catharsis? Without a doubt, Autistic Like: Graham’s Story brings it on. Identifying some similarities between Graham and my own child made me feel I am not alone. And, as I recognized Eric and Jennie’s thoughts and emotions – so similar to my own and to those of others parents who I know, I benefited from the therapeutic quality of viewing the film.

Recomended
As a parent facing the SPD question, I appreciate this film very much. As an educator who looks back at students I have known that I could have helped “if only” I had known more about SPD at the time, I feel this film is very important to “get out there” to other educators, as well as therapists, doctors and other professionals. Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story not only tells a tale, but teaches about a condition too few are familiar with. It offers perspective, information, a place to start – or continue – talking. Without question, Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story is as useful as it is engaging.

Thank you, Eric and Jennie, for sharing your story from Graham’s “diagnosis” through the trials, errors, and successes of various therapies. Others, please use the Linthorsts’ poignant and practical chronicle as a place to begin your own research, a tool to enhance discussions, and, of course, a film to help spread awareness of, love for and understanding of children who hitherto may have been misunderstood or misdiagnosed

Especially this month, which is both Autistic Awareness Month and OT Month, this film is important. It can help spread awareness and can be a wonderful resources for OT’s to share with others.

Also, be aware that the film will be airing on PBS stations around the US for Autism Awareness month.  You can check listings here.

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