Also available The Boy Inside [47 min version] home use version, which can include Mandarin and Punjabi subtitles upon request.
Filmmaker Marianne Kaplan tells the personal and often harrowing story of her son Adam, a 12-year-old boy with Asperger Syndrome. His condition-an increasingly common form of high-functioning autism characterized by emotionally inappropriate behavior and an inability to interact successfully with others-makes grade seven a minefield. As Adam struggles to survive, Marianne documents her family's tumultuous daily life.
School is a nightmare for Adam, a place where he finds himself isolated and bullied. His parents coach him on how to avoid confrontation. His teachers take extra steps to help other kids understand him. But despite this, his troubles escalate, first at school and then at home. Adam himself is always painfully aware of his separateness.
To learn more about dealing with the challenges of Aspergers, Marianne and Adam attend a Chicago conference, where they connect with other kids with Aspergers and their parents. Marianne also meets with Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal scientist and author, herself autistic. To round out the picture, a cross-section of Adam's schoolmates honestly share their difficulties in relating to him. Throughout, Adam offers his own profound and astute observations on living with Aspergers.
"This film is a must-see for principals and teachers. Adam's story provides a glimpse of the very real struggle faced daily by children with Asperger syndrome and their families."
- Pat Mirenda, Ph.D., BCBA, Professor, Educational and Counseling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia
"As a grade seven teacher, with a child with Asperger's in my class, I feel that The Boy Inside is a valuable tool...It dramatically shows the impact of exclusion on not only a child who is on the Autism Spectrum, but on any child...and can go a long way toward helping the other students understand him."
- Gina Challenger, Teacher, Cedar Hills Elementary
"A wonderful tool to increase students' tolerance of differences and to promote compassion for another's struggle."
- Jill Watson, Learning Support Teacher, Student Services Team North Vancouver School District
Sample of discussion guide available for download here:
The_Boy_Inside_Teachers_guide_sample_pages.pdf
Award(s): CINE Golden Eagle Award, 2007 Freddie Award in the International Health and Medical Media Awards; Best Youth Program, Japan Prize 2007
For more information on this film, visit http://www.theboyinside.com/
