Autism: The Musical

AUTISM: THE MUSICAL counters bleak statistics with 1 womans optimistic pledge to lead a group of autistic children in defying diagnosed expectations by writing, rehearsing and performing their own full-length musical. Following 5 LA children over the course of 6 months, director Tricia Regan captures the struggles and triumphs of their family lives and observes how this musical production gives these performers a comfort zone where they explore their creative sides.



After hearing about this documentary several times, I decided to buy it, and watch as a way of learning more about my son. I expected it to be maudlin and depressing, and at times it was extremely sad. However, watching these children and their parents struggle and succeed was a hopeful experience too.


The thing that most surprised me most was what I learned about my own child from watching these other children on the autistic spectrum. As I observed these kids, I saw my own. Things that I always assumed were "just Jacob" were revealed to me to not be Jacob mannerisms, but autistic mannerisms. It was comforting in a strange way, because it explained quite a lot about him.


In our trips to our specialist, I have been fascinated to see other children who have been diagnosed too. I do my very best not to stare at them, but I see kids who appear like my own, and I am drawn to them and their behaviors. The lunging movements, the strange sounds, the aimlessness of their wandering, their lack of eye contact and often their silliness. There are other children who act this way? Yes, and it is comforting to me that Jacob is not the only one. Isn't that odd? I have learned that my child is different but the same. Watching the musical has helped my look at my child, my marriage and my other son in a new way- one with clearer lenses. I am more patient, and I am more aware.

I am glad that I bought the documentary and I plan to show to my son (for as long as he watches it), my husband and my friends who have been touched by autism.