Chris is in a good education program in Glen Ellyn School District 41. He cannot communicate with words, one of the consequences of his autism, but he is learning sign language. They have been fantastic with our son. I am proud of our son and the progress he has made. Chris also is getting the benefits of applied behavioral analysis.
Autism makes it difficult for children to develop social interaction, and play and activity skills.
But one thing hasn't changed through the years - society still struggles to understand autism. The film helped elevate awareness of autism. But it also perpetuated myths, such as all people with autism cannot accept or show affection, or all have extraordinary intellectual skills. Those with autism have a diverse range of social and cognitive skills. I also know that, unlike Shanahan, there are parents who still struggle to find the right educational setting or remedial program for their children.