This 30-minute film, presented in documentary style, spotlights young people with AS as they talk about their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. The content is designed to help young people with AS understand their diagnosis, the positive aspects that accompany it, as well as think about when to disclose their diagnosis to others. As many individuals with AS are strong visual learners, the film also plays to this learning style through its graphic design, presented clearly and employing a series of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS) ©1981-2008 Mayer-Johnson, LLC. The film seeks to build self-esteem and help viewers to understand they are not alone.
Annie, a middle school student, Noah, a high school student, and Jeffrey, a college student, represent a range of ages and circumstances but share many of the common challenges and strengths of individuals living with AS.
They address typical difficulties such as struggles with social and communication skills, controlling thoughts and behaviors, and experiencing sensory sensitivity. The viewer easily identifies with 13-year-old Annie, who speaks convincingly of the pain and isolation experienced as the result of bullying and teasing which leaves her feeling like “the odd one out.” Sixteen-year-old Noah shares the frustration caused by his need for perfection as he shows us the reminder sign posted in his room reading “perfection and procrastination are the enemy.” Jeffrey, an 18-year-old college freshman helps the audience to understand the challenges faced in daily conversation which he refers to as "foot in mouth syndrome." Each of these young people bring a poise, self-awareness, and sense of humor which help the audience to see the full picture of what it means to live with AS.
The final chapter of The Asperger’s Difference is designed to help young adults with AS to develop self-advocacy by thinking about when to share their diagnosis with others. Viewers are invited to consider aspects of disclosure, such as the length and nature of a relationship and the outcomes which may occur.
The Asperger’s Difference can be watched by individuals with AS alone, in classrooms, with clinicians, or family groups in its entirety, or discretely by stopping and starting chapters with the support of an instructor or therapist. It has value for peers, siblings and others who are touched by autism. The accompanying discussion guide is intended to allow the viewer to personalize the information and experiences seen in the film.
