I sat with my laptop on this Saturday night, while my children slept safely in their beds and my husband snoozed on the couch. Too lazy to snatch the remote from Colin’s sleepy grip – I began watching a movie I did not even know existed before this very moment. I paid only mild notice until the word ‘autism’ caught my attention.
Elvis – playing Dr. John Carpenter – diagnosed a small girl with autism. I was curious how the screen writers of the late 60’s would script the treatment scene of dear little Amanda. I expected to see some talk of parental blame -or- “repeat after me” type badgering of the poor girl. Instead, I was moved to tears that Elvis treated the girl with three words, “I love you.”
So perhaps in the real world the girl may not have begun speaking in single words and making requests after just one session … but I think that LOVE is the perfect starting point. Kudos to the writers for going there in a period of time where autism was still so unknown as a developmental disorder. I think no matter what kinds of therapies, medications or treatments that children with autism (or any disorder) must endure – those that include a solid and consistent dose of “I LOVE YOU” are infinitely more effective.
Peace.