• Asperger's Syndrome
• SLV Adult Issues/Transition
• Behavior
• Communication
• Diagnosis/Assessment
• Early Intervention
• Education
• Education and Treatment Approaches/Options
• Family Accounts/Issues
• Medical
• Personal Perspective
• Sensory
• Social
• Disability or Community Awareness / General Information

Family Accounts/Issues

• Autism: A World Apart. (1994). Length: 52 minutes. Produced for British TV by Poseidon Productions. This British documentary features three individuals with autism. The program shows the strain placed on their families and how each family has learned to cope. The role education can play in helping children to lead happier, more fulfilled lives is discussed. An approach called Holding Therapy is demonstrated with one young child. Recommended for families of newly diagnosed individuals with autism spectrum disorders. For ordering information, contact the Films for the Humanities and Sciences at 1-800-257-5126 or online at http://ffh.films.com/. This video is also available under the title Autism: A Strange, Silent World.
• Brothers and Sisters. (1995). Length: 21 minutes. Produced by the Autism Society of British Columbia and the Open Learning Agency. This is a video about siblings for siblings of children with autism. Children and young adults candidly share their feelings about growing up with a brother or sister with autism, having to assume more family responsibilities, and coping with the challenges and joys that a child with autism brings into a family. Excellent video for siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders. Can be an excellent tool for organizing discussions for sibling support groups. For ordering information, contact the Autism Society of British Columbia at 604-261-8888 or online at http://www.autismbc.ca/.
• Day By Day: Raising the Child with Autism/PDD. (1992). Length: 60 minutes. Produced by Joan F. Goodman and Susan Hoban. This video offers valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of two families of children with autism/pervasive developmental disorders. The parents explain the actual problems they confront, their strategies for coping, their frustrations, and their satisfactions in raising children with autism. A booklet outlining many of the issues discussed by both families and suggested topics for discussion is included with the video. Recommended for families of newly diagnosed younger children, and professionals who work with young children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. For ordering information, contact Guilford Publications, Incorporated at 1-800-365-7006 or online at http://www.guilford.com .
• Different Journey: The Families. (1996). Length: 43 minutes. Developed by the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). This video was developed by a group of parents who wanted to share their experiences and information on living with a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Topics addressed include diagnosis, reactions from family and friends, and the impact on the family. Recommended for professionals or family members interested in gaining a better understanding of the thoughts and reactions of family members. For ordering information, contact Future Horizons at 1-800-489-0727 or online at http://www.futurehorizons-autism.com/.
• Face of Inclusion: A Parents’ Perspective. A Video Presentation on Full School Inclusion. (1995). Length: 68 minutes. Produced by Siano, Spitz and Associates. This video focuses on the experiences of a family in New York with three daughters, the oldest who has Rett Syndrome. The parents candidly discuss the pros and cons of inclusion for all involved. Recommended for professionals and family members interested in including students with pervasive developmental disorders. For ordering information, call Joenro, Incorporated at 1-315-422-7796.
• Family to Family: A Guide to Living Life When a Child is Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. (2004). Length: 92 minutes. Produced by World Class Communication Technologies. Alyson Beytien, the mother of three sons on the autism spectrum, discusses her experiences and shares her practical coping skills. Topics discussed include getting the diagnosis, symptoms and behaviors, intervention strategies, strategies for surviving and daily living, and being part of the community. This is an excellent DVD/video for families. For ordering information, contact Starfish Specialty Press at 1-877-782-7347 or online at http://www.starfishpress.com/ .
• Father’s Voices: A Journey of the Heart. (2004). Length: 14 minutes. Produced by Washington State Fathers Network and White Noise Productions. This video features fathers talking about their experiences in raising a son or daughter with a disability. Great awareness video for fathers. Highly recommended for anyone who interacts with families. Not just focused on autism spectrum disorders. For ordering information, contact the Washington State Fathers Network at http://www.fathersnetwork.org/914.html.
• Firehearts: The Gift of Autism. (1994). Length: 37 minutes. Produced by the University of Hawaii: Resource and Technical Assistance Project on Autism. This video focuses on the experiences of three families in dealing with a family member diagnosed with autism. Parents discuss experiences encountered during the diagnostic process and personal reactions to the diagnosis. Parents and siblings share perceptions on coping with behaviors, reactions from other people, social/leisure activities, and strengths of their family member with autism. Individuals with autism share their viewpoints on family issues. Recommended for use with family members, siblings, professionals and others interested in understanding the family dynamics involved in having a family member with an autism spectrum disorder. For ordering information, contact The Autism Project, 110 University Avenue #401, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822.
• Hygiene. (2005). Length: 25 minutes. Developed by Child First. This DVD provides a task analysis of washing hands, brushing teeth, blowing nose, and washing face. Activities are repeated to assist with rehearsal of skills. Recommended for use with children with special needs to help them in learning hygiene skills. For ordering information contact Child First at 1-877-493-3008 or online at http://www.child1first.com/.
• Just Call Him Matthew! (1992). Length: 26 minutes. Produced by Michael From Mountains Productions. This video features a group of children of various ages who have brothers or sisters with special needs, including autism. The children speak openly about their feelings and experiences as siblings of brothers and sisters with autism. Recommended for siblings, family members, students, and professionals who are interested in the tremendous insights of siblings and in gaining a better understanding of the impact of having a brother or sister with a disability. This videotape would be an excellent “kick-off” to a group discussion with or about siblings. For ordering information, call Michael From Mountains Productions at 505-291-9284.
• Letting Go: When Your Child Leaves Home. (2007). Length: 35 minutes. Written and Directed by Ruth Sullivan. This DVD focuses on four parents making the decision to move their adult child from the family home to a group home. Two of the families choose the group home. Two of the families decide to keep their adult child at home. Compelling story of the fears and uncertainty families face when making this tough decision. Recommended for family members considering residential placement. For ordering information, contact Autism Services Center at 304-525-8014.
• Portrait of an Autistic Young Man. (1986). Length: 48 minutes. Produced by the University of California- Los Angeles (UCLA). This video documents the life of Joseph Sullivan from early childhood to adulthood. Includes interviews with Dr. Ruth Sullivan, Joseph’s mother and the first president of the Autism Society of America. While somewhat outdated, this video provides early clips of Joseph’s life, and provides a wonderful historical perspective on autism spectrum disorders. Joseph was used as one of the role models for Rainman. Recommended for family members and professionals interested in gaining a better understanding of the characteristics and challenges experienced by people with autism spectrum disorders. For ordering information, call the Behavioral Sciences Media Laboratory at UCLA at 1-213-825-0448.
• Refrigerator Mothers. (2002). Length: 54 minutes. Developed by David E. Simpson, J.J. Hanley, and Gordon Quinn. Produced by Kartemquin Educational Films, and a presentation of the Independent Television Service. This video chronicles the poignant stories of seven women whose children were diagnosed with autism between 1950 and 1970. Influenced by psychologist Bruno Bettelheim, mental health and medical professionals claimed that autism was the product of mothers who were cold, distant, rejecting - unable to "bond properly." They were labeled "refrigerator mothers." The video features historic broadcast interviews with Bettelheim himself, as well as excerpts from both Hollywood features and mental health "training films" of the period. This video offers fascinating insights into the history of our understanding of mental illness and developmental disabilities, and raises questions that are of profound relevance today. Highly recommended for family members and professionals. For ordering information, contact Fanlight Productions at 1-800-937-4113 or online at http://www.fanlight.com/.
• Straight Talk About Autism with Parents and Kids: Adolescent Issues. (1998). Length: 38 minutes. Produced by Attainment Company, Incorporated. This video features parents, and their sons and daughters with autism spectrum disorders. Issues covered include: teasing, establishing friendships, and issues related to adulthood. Recommended for older students with and without disabilities, and adults to promote awareness of autism spectrum disorders. For ordering information, contact Attainment Company at 1- 800-327-4269 or online at http://www.attainmentcompany.com.
• Straight Talk About Autism with Parents and Kids: Childhood Issues. (1998). Length: 38 minutes. Produced by Attainment Company, Incorporated. This video focuses on several families and their experiences in finding answers about their children’s differences and development that eventually lead to a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Parents and their children speak frankly from their perceptions and viewpoint. The video addresses many issues such as obtaining a diagnosis, identifying the warning signs of autism and the characteristics associated with autism, and developing supports for families and individuals. Recommended for family members and professionals. Particularly useful for families of children who are suspected of autism or who are newly diagnosed, and for professionals first learning about diagnosing autism spectrum disorders. For ordering information, contact Attainment Company at 1-800-327-4269 or online at http://www.attainmentcompany.com.
• The Story of Luke: One Family’s Experience with Autism. (2007). Length: 27 minutes. Produced, Written and Directed by Howie Lane. This DVD provides an up-close account of Luke and his family in their suburban home. Luke’s story is told via footage of Luke throughout his childhood, and via interviews with Luke’s doctor, parents, sister and teacher. Recommended for parents who have a child diagnosed with autism. For ordering information, contact Picaflor Productions at 1-301-530-9335 or online at http://www.autismdvd.net/.
• Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum. (2007). Length: Program One (7 minutes), Program Two (25 minutes), Program Three (27 minutes), and Program Four (35 minutes). Produced by Coulter Video. This DVD contains four programs for siblings of children on the autism spectrum and their parents. Each program covers a range of challenges and strengths, and describes techniques siblings can use to get along and support each other. The DVD is divided into four programs that cover specific age ranges from 4 to adulthood. Parents can show their children the program that best suits their age and developmental level. Recommended for building sibling awareness. For ordering information, contact Coulter Video at 1-336-608-4224 or online at http://www.coultervideo.com/.