Product Description

"Autism is a World" is a documentary about Sue Rubin, who is autistic. Sue was diagnosed and treated as mentally retarded until the age of 13 when she began to communicate using a keyboard. Now she is a junior in college. In Sue's own words, "Autism is a World" takes the viewer on a journey into her mind, her daily world, and her life with autism. A co-production of CNN Productions and State of the Art, Inc., the film has been honored with numerous awards including a 2004 Academy Award nomination for Documentary Short Subject. With Closed Captioning, and two additional audio tracks: Audio Description of the Visually Impaired and Spanish.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21905 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-06-14
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, Dubbed, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 40 minutes

Amazon.com
This Oscar-nominated documentary is a collection of thoughts written by autistic 26-year old Sue Rubin who takes viewers on a poignant journey into her world to educate the public while empowering the autistic community toward their potential. "This is not my voice, but these are my words," begins Rubin as she tells her story (narrated by Julianna Margulies) of being diagnosed with autism as a young child and assumed mentally retarded until, at age 13, she was trained to use Facilitated Communication, a verbal tool that enabled her mind to "wake up." Rubin was reassessed with an IQ that allowed her to attend high school and college and live on her own, assisted by a team of caregivers. The film briefly explains autism and how it affects the brain's wiring, yet is not meant to be a tutorial on neuro-biology but rather a personal attempt at unveiling a world that is both frustrating and confusing. Rubin discusses her feelings about solitude, social situations, and the need for familiar places and routines. Though autism will be her constant struggle, Rubin's story is both inspiring and thought provoking. While the film does not presume to be the final word on autism, it is a beginning--and a noble one at that. (Ages 12 and older) --Lynn Gibson

Customer Reviews

If you've ever wondered about Autism, check this out.
This is an amazing DVD and I thank Sue Rubin for being willing to share what it is like to live with Autism. The story demonstrates how one person without a voice found a one and has used it to help others.
Sue has a dynamic personality and shares the good with the bad in order for all of us to understand that the only limits in life are those set by others.

Not what you would expect
I was not prepared for what I saw in "Autism Is A World." A documentary narrated by the person whom it is about, a person with autism, makes this video so compelling. So many things stuck out to me: the real portrayal of the daily struggles of being an adult with autism; how the world incorrectly perceives the brilliance of someone who exhibits childlike behaviors on the outside; the brutal honesty of Sue Rubin who opens up about being self-conscious but understanding her own coping mechanisms.
I highly recommend this video, especially to those who have not seen this extreme of autism in a person with significant disabilities.
Favorite Quotes: "Spoons are my comfort."
"Autism is not a social way of life."
Thank you for this eye-opening documentary.

Insight into Autism
Sue Rubin tells her story and provides insight into living with autism in this terrific documentary. She explains some of her autistic behaviors and thought patterns. A "must see" for those wanting to understand to get a first person perspective on autism.