Autism: The Sequel

Autism: The Sequel stands as a profound sequel to the 2007 Emmy-Award-winning HBO documentary Autism: The Musical. This is a heartfelt, engaging, and honestly depicted film about five young adults on the autism spectrum, capturing their journey into adulthood. The film features talents including Richard Cannon III, Joe Aaron, and Lexi Aaron.

The 2007 original documentary, Autism: The Musical, showcased the lives of five children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they crafted an original stage production, offering an insightful glimpse into the world of autism, how it can disturb some communication, social interaction, and creative skills. The film illustrated how through theatrical expression, these children could develop self-confidence, social interaction, and a sense of community, thus defying their parents’ and society’s most archaic misconceptions.

Autism: The Sequel, on the other hand, revisits these five individuals a decade later, giving us a look at their transition towards adulthood. Directed again by Tricia Regan, the film continues to follow this quintet, now young adults on the verge of getting integrated into society. The lens of Regan ushers viewers into a world that is often misunderstood to manifest the challenges each member faces and their personal triumphs in their journey towards self-reliance.

The film highlights 23-year-old Neal, a music enthusiast who's struggling to find a constructive way to express his frustrations; Wyatt, an aspiring animator who's working to refine his skills and pursue a career in the animation industry; and Henry, an accomplished musician with perfect pitch, who's finding new ways to connect with the world through music. Lexi, the ensemble’s only young woman, works diligently to gain independence, surrounded by a family who offers nothing but sturdy support. Finally, there's Adam, a passionate law intern navigating through life while facing the struggles that come with 'Ageing Out' of his supportive school system.

Featuring riveting performances by Richard Cannon III, Joe Aaron, and Lexi Aaron, Autism: The Sequel tends to be equally candid and encouraging, offering an intimate portrayal of lives filled with hurdles, highs, and the continuous pursuit of independence. The film takes a glimpse at the support their families provide, their worries about what the future holds, and the joy of seeing their child reach milestones they never thought possible.

The 2020 sequel creates a dialogue about society's misassumptions regarding individuals with autism and how they're capable of finding joy, establishing connections, and achieving personal milestones. It delves into the struggles inherent to families grappling with autism but more significantly, emphasizes the strides that can be made through consistent encouragement and support. There is a special focus on the importance of the transition program—a scheme that supports young adults aged 18 to 21 with disabilities in school and work-related skills.

Autism: The Sequel, shines a light on the multifaceted nature of ASD, the journey from childhood to adolescence, as well as the transition into adulthood. Its efforts to humanize the condition and the individuals going through it, witnessing their daily lives and challenges make this sequel a potent installment of autism representation in media.

A poignant exploration of autism, Autism: The Sequel serves as both a follow-up and a standalone narrative that prompts a deeper understanding and empathy for those diagnosed with ASD. Amid moments of despair, the film illuminates joy, engagement, attachment, and achievements, spinning a narrative thread that defies previous understated expectation and celebrates the diverse milestones achieved, which although may feel small to outsiders, are giant leaps for each of them. By painting an intriguingly in-depth image of these distinct young adults with autism spectrum disorders, the film emerges as a testament to their resilience, courage, and unyielding optimism.

At its core, Autism: The Sequel is more than just an exploration of lives marked by autism. It is a testament to human spirit and a celebration of the complexities, victories, trials, and possibilities in a world viewed through the spectrum of autism. Calling it heartfelt would be an understatement. The film is both an empathetic understanding of the world of autism but also a message of hope that lights the way forward. Through ups and downs, joys and tears, and strength and courage, Autism: The Sequel offers an insightful perspective on the world of those living with autism, thus challenging and expanding our portrayal and conception of the incredible spectrum of human experience.