Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic

I have been hearing about Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic for a while now. This documentary, by director Todd Drezner, takes a look at the two sides of the Autism debate. When I was contacted by Cinema Libre Studio and asked to review it here at lostandtired.com I was really excited. As I’m not a movie critic or even that talented a writer I will approach this review from the perspective of a parent with 3 Autistic boys and a vested interest in this debate.

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When I first began watching the film I was immediately able to identify with its director, Todd Drezner and his family. His adorable son, Sam (who happens to be Autistic), reminds me of my own kids. Sam has a “fascination” with 4 specific lampposts located in Prospect Park (Brooklyn). Sam can spend hours visiting with his lampposts and his parents lovingly support this, which I think is amazing. In this film Todd explores the question: is Autism a devastating illness or neuordiversity? There are two sides to this debate, the “recovery movement” and those promoting acceptance and “neuordiversity”.

Proponents of the “recovery movement” believe Autism is caused by vaccines and/or other environmental toxins. This movement is considered to operate outside the realm of mainstream science and medicine. There is little or no scientific evidence to support their theory of the origins of Autism. They believe that Autism can be cured and children recovered using “alternative” treatments such as GFCF diet, hyperbaric therapy and detoxification.

Proponents of “neuordiversity” choose to look at things like Autism or ADHD for example, as natural conditions. They acknowledge that these conditions can be challenging or even disabling. However, they see Autism as more of a variation of the human condition. They promote acceptance but are not against medical or biomedical intervention as deemed necessary to address certain symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.

Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic

The way Todd approaches this debate is quiet fair to both sides even though he lends himself to the neuordiversity camp. The people he chooses to interview on either side of the line are very engaging, regardless of whether or not your personal views fall in line with theirs. I especially found Ralph James Savarese and Roy Richard Grinker to be particularly enlightening. Dora Raymaker and Stephen Shore, both adults with Autism, are nothing short of inspiring, especially to a father of 3 Autistic boys.

I will admit that prior to viewing this film I had preconceived notions about the different sides of this debate. Loving Lampposts manages to put faces on each side of the argument and helps to you better understand and relate to those residing on either side of the line. You don’t have to agree with their views or ideas but you are given the unique chance to better understand things from their perspective. While I don’t personally subscribe to the “recovery movement”, I don’t completely agree with “neuordiversity” either. What Todd accomplished with Loving Lampposts is to shine a light on both sides and bring the relevant information to the viewer’s attention, allowing them to make their own decision. I never felt pushed or pulled in any direction by this film either. Todd openly shares his thoughts and opinions on Autism and he genuinely seems invested in what is going on right now within the Autism community and this rather emotionally charged debate.

As I previously stated, I’m not a movie critic and have never really written a review before. That said, I have never really been inspired to write a review before either. I have watched this film several times now and each time I find myself walking away with an ever increasing sense of hope for the future. Anyone that has followed my family’s story knows that hope is something that has been absent from our lives for quite some time, so that’s major accomplishment. Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic is inspiring, informative, brilliant thought provoking but most importantly, honest. I would not hesitate one moment in recommending this film to ANYONE but especially those who’s lives are touched by Autism and their families. You will walk away with a much better understanding of what Autism is and the school’s of thought surrounding it. If you haven’t seen Loving Lampposts I highly recommended you do.

I hope my “review” does this amazing film by the very talented Todd Drezner some justice. Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic is truly a great film that holds great educational value and is, in my opinion, a MUST SEE, especially if your life is touched by Autism..

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