62 minutes / Color
Release: 2008
Copyright: 2008
The incidence of Asperger syndrome and other forms of autism in the United States appear to be increasing dramatically. This powerful, eye-opening documentary brings the issue out of the shadows, stressing that young people with these developmental disabilities can learn and grow, if their individual needs, styles, and abilities are respected. Two Worlds — One Planet takes an upbeat look at students attending Gateway Academy, a private K-12 day school specializing in youth with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The film offers a rare opportunity to enter the world of children with Asperger's and Autism, and to see it through their own eyes and the eyes of their families. Their parents show remarkable and sometimes painful candor in revealing autism's impact on the entire family.
These students perceive the world differently, and they learn differently as well. The school offers them an academic curriculum that is challenging and structured, and nurturing in its approach to fostering growth, responsibility and independence. Students, faculty, and families work collaboratively to help students discover and develop their individual gifts and strengths.
Select Accolades
The stories of three families show us what the textbooks and studies cannot - what it's really like to love and care for children with autism.
Karen Cunninghame | 1988 | 29 minutes | Color | English
An intensely personal film about growing up with Asperger Syndrome, following 12-year-old Adam as he struggles to make sense of bullies, girls, and life in the real world.
Marianne Kaplan | 2006 | 47 minutes | Color | English
From the 1950's through the 1970's, autism was widely blamed on cold and rejecting mothers. This film explores the devastating impact of this misdiagnosis through the stories of seven mothers and their children.
David Simpson, J.J. Hanley, and Gordon Quinn | 2002 | 53 minutes | Color | English
