How well do you know Autism Spectrum Disorder? (2014), film still

How well do you know Autism Spectrum Disorder?

2014 • School Documentaries
Filmmaker: Leumeah High School

About this Short Film

How well do you know Autism Spectrum Disorder? Leumeah High School, Australia, 2014, offers a reflective school documentary in which an educator describes their understanding of autism spectrum disorder and its impact on communication, learning and social interaction. The film adopts a conversational, exploratory tone, acknowledging the diversity of experiences across the spectrum, including social anxiety and variable intellectual strengths, and stresses the importance of individualised support in education. Rather than medicalising or generalising, it shares practical, person-centred observations that will be useful to teachers, families and students seeking clearer, respectful insights into how people on the autism spectrum may engage with school and community. A thoughtful contribution to the Focus on Ability programme.

Film Details

Country: Australia
Category: School Documentaries
Festival Year: 2014
Filmmaker: Leumeah High School

Film Transcript

My understanding of autism is that the disorder in effect affects the person's language ability and learning ability in interaction with other people in society. Autism spectrum disorder manifests itself in many ways. In most instances it's an inability to really be able to socialise. The way that society explains it, in my understanding, is that it is an umbrella term that describes people, I guess, on a scale or a continuum — people who may experience difficulties with communication and social interaction when interacting with others. I believe that social anxiety can be a feature of autism spectrum disorder, as well as high intelligence.

Well, I've taught students I guess who fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, and I guess again to varying extents. You know, students who previously would have been classified as Asperger's syndrome — very high-functioning. I believe that label has, in recent times, been removed and that we're talking about a spectrum of disorders. But certainly there were students who have been very high-functioning in the past.

The condition is not always recognised, and autism is a major part of society as well. It's not just, you know, everything's about mental health nowadays; we also need to shed some light on autism and things revolving around that, because not many people know about it unless they suffer.

They're just as capable as everybody else. They can accomplish anything they want and can have the resources and people to help them, especially in education — they often need a lot of one-on-one support. Other children have intellectual issues as well as other issues, so it's a very individual thing. I think with appropriate support people with autism can achieve their heart's desire. I think that it's limited to the person; if the person does not seek achievement then they won't achieve. It's really up to them individually. If they want something and they want to achieve that goal, then they can, regardless of limitations that have been put on them. I see a fellow quite intelligent and with a very good memory.

Filmmaker

Leumeah High School is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from Leumeah High School.

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1 comment
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Alex Mcmurray 5/08/2014

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