Coming in April: Extreme Love
Due to a scheduling hiccup, my next show to air in the UK won’t be the porn industry documentary as I previously thought, but a two-parter entitled Extreme Love.
The porn show was deemed a little too lurid for a 9 o’clock slot and there was something about it not being a great follow-on from the gentle pleasures of Springwatch, which I can understand.
So that’s now been pushed back to sometime in June.
In the meantime, for your viewing pleasure, we have a warts-and-all watch-through-your-fingers look at the trials, tribulations and rewards of caring for someone with a serious mental condition.
Part 1 is about Autistic kids and their families.
We base ourselves in New Jersey, the number two state in America for its rates of Autism. According to the latest stats, one boy in 29 is diagnosed with the condition. (Rates for girls are much lower.)
Services for Autism in New Jersey are considered to be among the best in America and we spent much of our time in an extraordinary school, the Developmental Learning Centre in Warren.
The DLC Warren educates Autistic kids from three to 21 and tends to take kids who have more of the challenging behaviour associated with Autism: frequent tantrums, aggressive outbursts, serious verbal and social disabilities.
A lot of the coverage of Autism in the media tends to focus on the milder end of the spectrum: Asperger’s (as in the best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night) or cases where the deficits are compensated by extraordinary abilities (as in Rain Man).
We made a decision to look at more “typical” Autism.
Among our contributors was Joey, aged 13. Joey’s a charming kid, outgoing, he reads and writes and draws, though his speech is limited. But for the past year or so, Joey’s been having violent outbursts at least once a day, which often involve him hitting and kicking his mother, Carol. He’s punched holes in walls all through the house and left Carol bruised more than once.
Joey’s rages descended unpredictably and were shocking and upsetting to watch. He’s a big kid and Carol worried that the day might come when she couldn’t control him any more.
Other memorable characters included Nicky, whose progress at the DLC meant that he’d been selected to move to a more mainstream school. But he still suffered from frequent anxiety and as the day of his move approached he became more stressed. Nicky seemed to enjoy the idea that I was on TV and known in the UK and there’s a funny scene where he discovers my Wikipedia page and delights in reading bits out to me to my discomfort.
So that’s the Autism episode.
Extreme Love: Part 2 looks at people with dementia.
We filmed that one in Phoenix, Arizona – capital of America’s elderly – principally working out of a care home with a “memory support unit” for the chronically forgetful.
One of the main characters is a retired dentist, called Gary, who spent much of his time believing he was still working at a military base among fellow soldiers.
A few times a week he would pack up his things, imagining that he’d been given another posting, and wandered the corridors looking for the way out.
The care home we were based at has a philosophy of not confronting the delusions of the residents, but instead, gently playing along with them. So rather than correcting Gary, the staff would suggest that it might be better if Gary left the following day since it was getting late.
It seemed, at first glance, a tiny bit dishonest. But I soon saw how it helped to de-escalate the episodes.
Here too, the demands made on the loved ones were extraordinary. Gary had forgotten that he had a wife, notwithstanding that he’d been married nearly 30 years to a charming lady called Carla. He’d acquired two girlfriends at the care home. Carla had resigned herself to the idea that Gary was no longer faithful in the full sense and she was beginning to move on, albeit with a host of ambivalent feelings.
Both these shows are riveting and surprisingly funny in parts.
I’ve always been fascinated by life at its more raw and most real. These shows are very much in that territory. Anger, honesty, despair, humour. It’s all there.
Looking after someone whose mind works in a way that is utterly different to your own demands extraordinary resourcefulness and commitment. It takes you to the limit of what love is, in a way that sometimes borders on the saintly. It also creates, at times, a very understandable sense of hopelessness and angst.
It’s definitely a bit of a departure from shows I’ve done before. Unlike many of my past documentaries, there is no suggestion that there is anything untoward or even questionable in the practises at the heart of the film.
The Autistic kids and the adults with dementia are all being well taken care of, using the latest therapeutic interventions and techniques. That, I suppose, is part of what makes these shows feel positive. But there is no getting away from it: the conditions themselves and the demands they place on the carers can be bleak.
Was looking forward to the Porn Documentry! Extreme Love sounds really interesting. Keep up the good work Louis
Very interested in all three of the mentioned shows. Even though I know the two Extreme Love ones will be very difficult for me to watch as one of my biggest fears in the world is something like this happening to either me or my significant other.
I totally understand why people would find them upsetting. The idea that one day you may simply not really be able to remember who you are and the most important people to you is very troubling. Or to have a child who you love more than anything but sometimes be scared of them because of an unfortunate condition. However just because something is upsetting doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth making a show about.
Keep up the amazing work Louis. I don’t think you have ever made a bad show and your style is unique and charming.
It’s been way to long I’m having Theroux withdrawals.
Can’t wait.
When does this two part documentary air louis?
Hello Louis
I’m a well known documentary’s director based in Israel.
Beside making films I’m the artistic director of our Anthropological Film Festival that takes place in Jerusalem Nov. 2012. We would love to get your new films.
Please be in touch with me.
Thank you so much
Nurit Kedar
.
My Mum works with dementia patients, sounds pretty depressing most of the time..
Interested to learn about “memory support unit” though.
Looking forward to the new programmes. Was just wondering why you didn’t make this in the UK about UK families/care?
HI louie,
Will you be airing your follow up on the porn industry at all ? would interested to see how jj is doing.
kids schmids
I was an aspie kid once and got ignored, never put on TV. I’m now an aspie adult and still ignored, ever put on TV.
Fed up of these programs featuring others, put me on or stop making them.
I am really looking forward to the autism doc. I would already like to thank you for bringing it to light. I really hope that we can work towards learning how to communicate with people who are not neuro typical. I believe it would make life much less frustrating for us both. It is bizzare that we expect people with autism to communicate in the same language as us when they speak a different one. You don’t wander around the world arrogantly demanding that everyone speaks english…oh wait, we do…
Hey Louis,
As a parent of a fourteen year old son who was diagnosed with autism aged four (UK), I’m really looking forward to your programme.
I love a lot of your work. I don’t know how you manage to keep your composure when confronted with such extremes of beliefs and activities that your previous programmes have investigated.
I’ve followed autism for over ten years now and have a good understanding of current intervention methods and practise. I also follow present thinking over the causes. I’ won’t share them with you now, I’ll wait until after watching your programme. I will say however, the prevalence of new cases in New Jersey as described in your blog details above (1 in 29) absolutely floored me. If this was any other ‘medical condition’ President Obama would have raised its severity to ‘epidemic’ status as he did with the swine flu scare of 2009/10. How high will the rate have to get before we admit the obvious reason to rising rates?
Looking forward to some new content from you Louis, have been watching nearly all of your old docos online and they are engrossing. From New Zealand
Sounds very interesting, Louis. Can’t wait!
thanks again to you and your crew we cant wait to see the show
always
Joey and gang
Looking forward to watching this!! I am a mother of a 6yr old son with Autism (mild-but still full on every day!!) and I also work in the aged care section here in Australia, mainly in our dementia ward. I love what I do and just reading how they respond to what seems to be ‘sundowners’ is very similar to how we approach these situations too!!
Love your work!!
Please ensure that when interviewed regarding those with autism do not let anyone say ” they suffer with autism” they are not in pain and they only suffer from others ignorance . If we had a little more patience and understanding they would be fine. Their suffering comes from outside not within.
hi louis, realy looking forward to your new program ,i have a daughter who at three was diagnosed with high functioning autism,she is now fourteen.
hey louis, really looking forward to your forthcoming doc on autism and how they deal with some of the issues that come with it.. i work with children with autism, adhd, and severe challenging behaviours in the uk and i am very intrested in how things are done elsewhere in the world … this can be an extremly stressful job but at the same time can be so rewarding when you see the progress that a child can make when supported to manage there behaviours .. well done u just hope your doc is filmed and edited to try an give people a REAL view of how autism can effect everyone involved.. as i have seen so much negitive stuff out there
Hi Louis, I am really looking forward to tomorrows show as one of my dearest friends son is at DLC Sanhkya Rawat and he told me ages ago about being interviewed, I was privilaged to help care for him when he was wee from time to time and he is always a ray of sunshine.
Thank you for covering a subject that many have heard of but not many understand. I am a mum of an 18 year old daughter with Autism and it means the word to me that you have chosen to report on Autism, could do with more programs depicting Girls with Autism though. Having just left the world of Childrens Services behind, we are embarking on the the depressing journey into world of non-existent Adult Services. As they say, every little helps
Thanks again Louis!
These are going to be two difficult documentaries for my family, but very interesting I’m sure. We’re all fans of your work and will be watching.
I have a brother with autism and an aunt (who never had children and is more like a grandma to me) with alzheimers. She started losing memories when she was 65 and by 69 could no longer form sentences. Now she is 75 and seems happy enough, although has been having some illness recently. It’s sad because she seems unaffected by the recent death of her partner of over 25 years.
Thanks for making these two films especially.
Could you do some more docs in the UK?
Was very moved by documentary thisevening and it was very sensitively filmed. Are you thinking of covering more conditions in young persons in future series’? I am a parent of rare auto-immune system condition – under 200 known sufferers in UK – 500 worldwide – we as parents are the only bank of information to date – we really need public awareness so no further children miss diagnosis or are mis-diagnosed and and so that research may start in the UK in time to help our children and others. Thank you for reading
I just finished watching the Autism special and it was excellent! Very touching yet very funny at parts. Nicky made several hilarious quips and seemed like a really nice guy, and I also warmed to Joey a lot. I have so much respect for all the parents and I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is yet when you see the way Nicky matured and has turned out as a kind, funny and lovely young man who is incredible – I was really impressed by his books.
Thank you Louis for another fantastic and very revealing documentary. It’s given me a new understanding for the lives of the people affected by these conditions.
I just watched your autism documentary after seeing you on BBC Breakfast this morning.
A really interesting documentary, I just wondered why you didn’t film anything in the UK. Have you filmed any of this series in the UK?
Great and interesting topics and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Thank you for the brilliant doc! It was so interesting and moving… it left me speechless.
I never write comments anywhere but after watching it I just felt I have to thank you somehow.
I have a 13 year old son with non-verbal autism (who loves surfing, we now go all year round) and have always hoped that you would make a documentary about the severe end of the spectrum. It didn’t disappoint, I thought you did a good job of capturing my normality without sensationalising it. I think you managed to show just how great the kids/young adults were as well. Thanks!
Thank you Louis for a truthful and compassionate view of what it means to live with a child on the autistic spectrum. This programme really showed some of the challenges of and hopes for children with autism.
I’m looking forward to your programme on dementia too – a very cruel disease that is a ticking time bomb for many.
Thank you for your programme on the Autism. Very interesting.
As usual Louis has shown how people cope when through love they are faced with incredibly difficult lives. The parents of the autistic children were brilliant – so dedicated, loving and all the things we hope we are as parents. I worked with a young boy with mild autism but even then wondered what life would be like in years to come for him. The daily challenges etc.etc.
My father had Alzheimers for several years prior to his death. It is said that Alzheimers is ‘the long good-bye’ and this is so true. I very much look forward to next weeks’ documentary on the subject, and more moving,frank and brilliant work by Louis.
Great documentary! Only downside was I was looking forward to a follow up at the end with how niki got on with new life in the new school
Hey Louis,
Thanks for making the programme. As a ‘taster’ into what parents have to deal with everyday, it give an insight to the average viewer. I liked how you focussed half of the time on parents, as without their ‘extreme love’, the social services and authorities would be inundated with requests to look after young adults who could not cope on their own.
I wondered if in making the programme, your own curiosity wasn’t triggered to ask ‘why’ this was happening.
Alan
Louis
I have a 10 year old autistic son and every documentary that I’ve watched about autism has come form a sensationalistic or explotive angle. As a fan of yours I knew that we would see a new view of our kids and you did us all proud. I have worked in a special needs school and you captured the atmosphere so well. Most importantly you showed the moments of humanity and dignity that our kids have and the world needs to see.
Thanks
Bob
Luis,
Last night I saw your documentary about autisme, thank you, it was very good. I have one question. The school you were at, how is it financed? I’m from the Netherlands; financing a school for children with special needs is a real problem, certainly whitin this crisis.
Thanks,
Caroline
Programme on autism was fab – and I thought you interacted with the children in a lovely way! Hope Alan from above posts his thoughts as to the reason behind the rise in autism, that was the only thing, to me, not covered in the doc but I suppose it is impossible to do everything in one go and programme was fab.
Thank you Louis for a most wonderful documentary last night. We have an 8 year old severely autistic grandson called Theo. I know our daughter and son in law thought that your documentary was the first they had seen which shows the truth about living with autism. Its very very hard. They did feel that maybe you could have looked at how siblings of autists deal with not having a so called ‘normal’ brother or sister and also how they deal with their parents anxiety and stress. It is a huge subject to cover but you have made a start, at least you showed that the vast majority of children with autism are on the lower functioning side of the spectrum. Maybe you could look at a follow up documentary, as I know this first one has at least given a lift to many families with autism. Thank you, Linda
Thanks Louis for making this documentary. It brought back so many painful memories for us but at the same time, was positive to reflect on how far we have come through sheer hard work, determination, love etc. You captured everything so well. No-one can truly know what it is like to live with a child with autism unless they experience it first hand. You helped people glimpse that and I hope gain a little more understanding. Thanks again.
Louis,
Just finished watching your documentary on Autism. It was so heart-warming and very interesting. I loved how you really got in with the kids instead of just observing them. I also appreciated that you included the more graphic behaviours that can come with autism. I think people do need to be educated on this disease so that autistic children can be accepted more openly in communities.
This is the first documentary of yours I have watched, but I will be tuning in for the next one.
A great job!
As a parent of an autistic child I wanted to pass on my congratulations on your documentary.
I thought you presented the documentary in a very professional and compassionate manner and I am sure it will go a long way towards raising awareness of a very challenging subject.
Keep up the good work !
Really enjoyed your documentary – I have a 15 year old daughter with autism who is also obsessed with Japanese and can sing “Lady Linda” in Korean….not a particularly useful life skill but she enjoys singing…… It was good to see other families with whom I could identify – not the usual savant approach. I thought the kids and young adults you met were fantastic – I did note that several of the parents were drinking wine – I can definitely relate to that!
Well done!
Hi Louis,
My daughter has an autism spectrum disorder and is towards the more severe end. My wife and I could definitely identify with all the parents on the programme. You got the balance just right between showing the difficulties faced by parents and showing the uplifting side too.
The truth is that being a parent of an autistic child is just like being the parent of a neurologically typical child but the highs are higher and the lows are lower.
You also did really well to capture the many different aspects of autism and, crucially, you noticed that no two autistic children are the same. My daughter, for example, is completely non-verbal but loves hugs and interaction. Other children might be able to talk but can appear distant.
The school you featured operates the Applied Behavioural Analysis approach, which is what my daughter has been lucky to receive during her education here in North Wales.
Unfortunately, Flintshire council are currently in the process of closing the ABA unit that is attached to Westwood primary school in Buckley thereby robbing newly diagnosed children with autism the same opportunities my daughter and the kids in your documentary have had.
Given the brilliant way you handled this subject, I would love to see you look at the varying standards of education for autistic children across the UK and how they compare to the US. As I said, we have been very lucky with what my daughter has had but I’m not sure others have.
Thanks once again. I now feel like a lot more people have an idea what we go through on a daily basis.
Hi. Thank you thank you thank you for taking time to document life with an autistic child. My Daughter is not Autistic but does have Downs Syndrome and Epilepsy which gives her extremely challenging behaviour (She screams a lot and has some violent outbursts). It was nice to see that there are other parents out there dealing with similar issues.
Best wishes
Watched your autism programme with interest as have two boys on the other end of the spectrum. However a lot of the 600+ parents with ASD kids I am in contact with are desperate to know why you felt the need to film American kids with autism rather than British ones but I guess it’s to do with your other extreme love programme. It would be amazing if you did the same programme (or even programmes plural) with British Families, maybe as a comparative thing. Please contact me if you want more info on UK ASD families
Thankyou Louis for the documentary which I found very moving. I have two children on the autism spectrum – a son with an autism spectrum disorder and a daughter with aspergers syndrome. Both are challenging (and fantastically unique) in different ways.
Your programme was particularly successful in highlighting some of the variation in the autism spectrum as well as the highs and lows of parenting an autistic child. I felt your programme was an important step in helping people to understand autism though I still feel there is much more to discuss on this huge topic.
Ideally I would love to see a TV programme devoted to the experiences of UK families particularly with regards to education. Whilst there are some families who can access the right education for their autistic children, there are many others who can’t.
Hi, wow what can i say well done you did an amazing job i do belive there will be many famillies out there that will now get a little more support from from there own families who deny that autism even a real thing thankyou for show the real side the good the bad and the simple plan truth, its fab when its all going well and very tough when things arent going so well.
Thanks for the great documentary on autism.It was nice to see the severe end of autism shown on tv and not children who just have special talents like the rainman film.I am the father of an 11 year old boy with severe autism,who can not speak,is very low functioning and can have very complex and aggressive behaviour.This as a profound impact on family life of were we go ,what we can do and how much sleep and rest we get.We still have to go to work around my sons care and other people are not allways understanding of how difficult our lives are.There is not enough help with constant goverment cut backs and at times we feel very upset and alone.It would be great if you could do a documentary in the uk and we would be interested in taking part if you did to raise awareness and educate people in the uk of this disability. thanks again
Really enjoyed the programme last night on Autism. I am a Mum of two boys who have Fragile X Syndrome which has a lot of overlaps with Autism.
My boys are generally happy little chaps (ages 6 and 8) but day to day tasks like haircuts and trips to the supermarket can be fraught with tantrums and anxieties.
I felt the programme observed families dealing with these difficulties in a very sympathetic manner and I was interested to see Louis going through a whole range of emotions – nervous, scared, concerned, awkward.
Also his interaction with the children was fantastic. Well done to everyone concerned, it was really great to see a programme which didn’t judge or try to explain but just showed us how life can be with children with these difficulties and how us parents can struggle, can find ourselves not enjoying our children but also trying to find positive ways to help them.
Thank you x
Hi, I found the documentary about the young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions interesting. As a mother of an 8 year old with a High functioning ASC with challenging anxiety attacks, I would have liked to have a seen a greater representation of the conditions on the spectrum. Also, like previous comments, it would have been useful to explore the support (or incredible lack of) in the UK. Just one little grumble, I’m not comfortable with the term “autistic kids” preferring “children with autistic spectrum conditions”. You would not describe a child as “being Downs” , you would say they had Downs Syndrome. The conditions do not define them as a person.
Hi there
This is my first ever blog, basically because I never can be arsed (sorry if that’s too rude)
Anyway, I’ve just finished watching ‘Louis Theroux – Extreme Love – 1. Autism’ on the BBC IPlayer.
I thought it was brilliant. Really showed ; the joy, sadness, hopes, laughs, tears and struggles in a really human story.
Felt quite chocked up watching it and the bit when Louis was having a little dance or jig in the back of the car was such a magic moment. I work in a Autistic school, in Thurrock and that moment really resonated with me.
My job is relatively simple compared to the skill, patients and dedication of a lot of the staff at the school and it does make you feel quite humble seeing these people in action.
I’m sure a lot of people, parents and schools, will appreciate and applaud, the way Mr Theroux and his team told this story.
Five stars from me !
Phil
If anyone wants to read my thoughts on the causes, go over to the forum.
Alan
Absolutely loved the first part of the documentary, truly heart wrenching and inspired.
The ramifications of having something like that thrust upon you was so clearly shown in the faces of all those affected and seeing progressive families such as Nicky’s and Joey’s was very eye-opening to the depths of love the human heart can show.
However I was slightly disappointed at (which is something I have probably never been during one of your documentaries) was the fact that yes; the lives of these people and those around them were displayed for the gritty realism that the traditional media ignores but what of those who this documentary ignores? What of those whose parents cannot bring themselves to look after them from day one? It has been circling my head since I saw the mother who had been forced to put her son into shared housing and I just thought someone should mention it.
Of course this is just me being critical, despite that is was the traditional Louis experience, stunning! (and also I’m aware BBC isn’t likely to spring for an hour and a half special so time is money and all aha)
Let me just say, Louis, I am a high functioning autisitc adult, and studing Art and Design at college and your program, although it shown some good parts, it unfortunatly made me angry in most parts, partcularly with the family with the two children who were severly autistic.
I thought that what the mother said was very out of order, (“I don;t get any enjoyment out of my children”, and “I wish it was my son playing football or my daughter on the cheerleading squad”) and it basically made me want to throw something at the screen. Just be thankful your children are alive! It’s not like they have a terminal illness! She mourned over them as if they were dead and that type of attitude really miffs me off! The same went for Joey’s mum, who also wanted to remove the autism away from her child! Autism is what can define a person, in small or large parts, it is still stapled as an identitiy, and I feel autism is a large part of my identitiy.
My mother was single when she had me and when I was dx’d (I lost my speech at age 2 up to when I was 5), she and my godmother were on the floor with me 24/7 talking to me and taking me on different routes to shops and places so that I didn’t become set in going the same way to a particular place.
On the subject, I liked how you at least included a high functioning autistic person in the programme and he basically is like a male American version of myself, as I also had the same problems he suffered from. Like him, I was at a special school until I was 13/14, when I moved to a secondary mainstream school because I wanted better oppertunities, to do exams like everyone else did, as my special school never did them. Also, I also felt for him when he said that he shouldn’t be at the school he was currently at (the special school) as I felt the same way at my special school and at Mencap and also when he threatened to stab another student when they laughed at him, as it reminded me of the time when I said to one of the teachers that I felt like committing suicide when I got rejected from a placement at university. They phoned my mum as they took it seriously as I thought I was really going to commit suicide.
When you said about autistic people having ” a lack of interest in people”, that theory is rubbish on my part. I DO have an interest in people, I just view them a different way. Same goes for a lot of autistic people. Also, the same goes for the “no empathy” theory as a lot of us DO have empathy, it’s just that we have difficulty experssing it at times.
I made a film on my life on the autistic specrum called I Always Knew I was Different and you can Google my name to find it.
Great stuff as usual Louis.
I noticed you didn’t mention anything about the link between autism and MMR jab? Was this due to time contraints or do you not believe this theory?
Sympathy goes to the kids but in most of the cases they seem oblivious to their condition. Your heart really goes out to the parents who seem trapped in tough grind without much hope of a resoltuion.
I have blogged a detailed review here:
http://neonmessiah.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/tv-review-louis-theroux-extreme-love.html
I wouldn’t go to U of Phoenix. They don’t have a good reputation. It will cost you a lot of money and they don’t have the same resources to help you with your disabilities that a real school does. Go to a state school; they are everywhere in California.
As a member of the online pressure group Avaaz, I have just created an online petition for more research into the causes of autism. You can read it here and hopefully sign it:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Independent_funding_to_find_the_causes_of_autism/?cSyEoab
Thanks,
Alan
Great work as usual Louis, it must be so hard for the people having to care for these people, however you’ve done well to raise some awareness and I can’t wait to see the dementia episode
Thank you for covering the severe end of the spectrum, it is largely ignored in the media. I have a severely autistic son and I could identify with so much of this documentary, my son gets violent like Joey does and his mother asking you to carry on filming because it’s the reality she lives in was the right thing to do, having your child attacking you day in day out is something that many parents of autistic children have to deal with, it’s a fact. Brian and his mother, I could completely identify with their situation as well. Kudos all round.
Thank you for showing how hard it is on the parents. I have a young son with Autism and everyone continually shrugs off the severity of his situation. Friends and family just don’t get it and they persist on reminding me that he’s really a normal kid, just different. I wish. I’m often accused of not being tough enough, which to me translates into bad parenting. It breaks my heart. My husband and I work very hard. We keep on researching and read, read, read so we can make JJ’s life as happy and wholesome as possible. I feel that they are diminishing the situation therefore ignoring it. I guess I would prefer a pat on the back and a “Job well done” rather than a suck it up and shut up. It’s not tough to love your child with Autism as you found out, the job itself is tough. Thanks again!
hi Louis
i justed wanted to say i really enjoyed watching your documentary last week and looking forward to the follow-up tomorrow. Before watching it i had no idea what Autism really was or neither had i come in close contact with anyone with its conditions.
You deliver a clear understand of this subject and an insight into its day-to-day struggles. Congratulations!!
Please make some more heart-warming programmes like this that actually deals with forbidden subjects so we as a nation can be education.
P.S. We have a huge programme in London with ‘gangs’ and ‘extremism’ at the moment, do you think these are subjects you can branch out into in the future…? perhaps push the bondaries and duocument them in ways others haven’t? Instead of seeking for answers to ‘why, if, buts or what…?’ Creating a more deeper discussion to the state of modern society. Thank you!
Congrats Louis on as ever an insight into subjects that normally do not get a chance to air on TV. I watched your program on Autism with special interest in respect of being the parent of a son who has never been definatvely diagnosed as autistic (in his case Global Delay) but certainly showing traits of autism. Your program showed the reality of looking after child with this condition but the way you covered it was spot on. As with our son we have difficult days but they can be countered in a instance when he will do something which will have you laughing your head off with him, making you smile again and the love he can bring. Keep up the great work Louis always enjoy your work.
An amazing programme Louis! How did you manage to film the whole programme without anyone breaking down in tears…I did and I was watching it alone.It was a tremendously uplifting documentary, however I feel that you only showed one side of the picture. These were people who had health insurance or wealth enough to pay for their loved ones to receive the wonderful care the featured homes provided. Only the fortunate few can afford $4000 dollars a month .
My 9 year old son has Aspergers, on the autistic spectrum, we have had to fight all the way for his needs to even be partially met. My mum is 75, she has had Alzheimers since she was 58, although it wasn’t diagnosed for many years, again I have had to fight for her needs to be recognised too. I am loving your documentaries… you are so gentle and understanding. I have cried so much watching your programmes. Thank you for raising awareness about autism and dementia… they are so misunderstood and an ongoing bereavement for the loved ones involved, yet there are real times of joy aswell. Thank you Louis.
I have an Aspy son, and work in community dementia care; so both shows are very relevant to me. I expect a fair whack of Louis’ viewing audience are outside the UK (I’m an Aussie) so can understand why a lot of his shows are done overseas. Would be nice to see the Oz experience of Autism- but then, why whinge if he chooses the US? He has increased the profile of ASD, so to critique him for choosing the US, where much of his later work is done, is a touch mean.
I just finished watching your programme ‘Extreme love: Autism’ and was moved deeply by it. I have Asperger syndrome myself which is a autism disorder, but in my case not as nearly as severe as any of the portrayed children. I find you approached the subject and all of the people involved in a brave way and the programme has an an attractive integrity to it. Well done. Because even though Asperger syndrome is far less ‘worse’ than the cases that get portrayed in your programme, I still recognised myself in almost all of the behaviours that got captured and aired.
People with an autism disorder have a lot of emotions going on, and at the same time experience great difficulty in communicating these emotions to themselves, let alone to others. What shows as anger and aggression was for me the hardest part to watch in your programme. I recognised that fear in the eyes of others, in your eyes too. I have seen that fear. I have caused that fear myself. Unwillingly. Always regretting it. Always filled with remorse the minute I recognised it, but still not able to stop the rage out of shear fear that ran through me because of the complete inability to communicate.
I grew older, learned a lot, got wiser. Luckily never killed someone
To some extend I am even happy now.
And I am truly happy to see this kind of programmes aired, because I hope that people will have the heart to try and understand other people a bit.
Keep them coming, please!
I have a 28 month old daughter dx’d with mtdoraee autism, global delays, non-verbal and will be dx’d with dyspraxia when she turns 3. She started mild SIB about 9 months ago and so far we do the chewy tube and vibrating toothbrush to redirect her. I have watched some of your videos since I first suspected autism and you have shown so much courage and strength. I think you are the most awesome mom and you are so beyond calm, Jamey is such a handsome young man.I truly thank you for sharing.VA:F [1.9.17_1161]please wait…VA:F [1.9.17_1161](from 0 votes)
Could you please let me know where to send Louis an email? It’s about his upcoming documentary on the porn industry.
Thanks – Jody
(702) 241 4956
http://www.hightechmadam.blogspot.com/2010/08/news-clippingsbiography.html
A very powerful programme Louis. The one on Dementia is definitely my favourite of all your programs to date. Had me in tears more than once.
Cant wait until the next one.
Many thanks
Emil
Excelent blog, thank you very much.
Dear Louis, I just saw your documentary on Autism this week… I ‘m a mum with Aspergers of a son with Autism (he “learns” himself Chinese, like Nick learns himself Japanese..) and was devastated, moved and comforted at the same time.
I have never experienced someone adressing Autism with somuch clearness, comprehension en respect alltogether in public towards “us” with Autism. You are a credit to all involved with Autism and an example for all that are not involved but yet invited to show as much tolerance towards people with Autisme (and all other people ever portraied) as you did ! I will love (..) you forever for making it ! How did you find the inspiration for this and (will for) your many other documentaries…? And how do you keep up your spirit ? You seem to be so calm. Do you practice Meditation (eg) ? My secret is Tai Chi. Keep up your good work ! yours, Petra
Thank you, Louis, for your “Extreme Love” documentary on dementia. Very well made and moving.