Daniel (P.S. I Love You)

Diagnosis: Asperger's

Portrayed by Harry Connick, Jr.

Daniel is an adult bartender, a minor character, who makes harsh and abrasive comments, and clearly doesn’t think before speaking. He frequently jokes about his condition and “takes a pill” every time he does or says something horrible. 

(Pills for Happiness Clip)

Since Daniel has little screen time, we know very little about him or his disorder. I really HATE that they gave his character Asperger's because the main thing we find out about him is from the scene above. 

Just clarify, there is no medication used to "treat" autism itself. Although there is no known cure or prevention, there are many treatments that can reduce some of the challenges students might face. Treatments are tailored specifically to an individual's strengths, weaknesses and needs. Biomedical interventions include modification of diet, immune system regulation and medication to treat coexisting symptoms (e.g. anxiety or hyperactivity). Nonmedical treatments include behavioral modification and educational approaches (special education) and speech, physical and/or occupational therapies. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely used technique intended to shape and reinforce positive or new behaviors and reduce undesirable ones. It involves an intense, one-on-one child-therapist (or teacher) interaction. It is often used to teach verbal behavior or is used as “pivotal response” training. Social skills training programs are also important to teach a child social norms, including personal space, making eye contact, not to interrupt, to play nicely with peers, have manners, etc. This misinformation is dangerous and because there is medication available to treat many childhood disorders, people assume there is also medication to treat ASD. This is completely incorrect. 

If the writers are bothering to include this character, they should really do their research to find out what is correct. Conveying incorrect information is wrong and misleading for the viewers. Have you seen the movie? What did you think about this scene? 

Oskar (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)

Diagnosis: Suspected Asperger's
Portrayed by Thomas Horn

Oskar is a young boy who is the main character in this movie. Although he has no official diagnosis for Asperger’s (he says “test were inconclusive”), he shows many of the signs and symptoms of the syndrome. He mentions having a hard time talking to people, is sensitive to loud sounds, is paranoid and fearful of new things, is wary of those who are different and panics on public transportation (especially bridges). Oskar also likes rubbing textures on his face, plays the piano, relies on the truth, and is unwilling to try new things (swinging with his father). He makes eye contact and does not care about being touched, and uses a tambourine to keep himself calm while stressed. He is very inquisitive, knows many random facts, and loves learning from his father, who is killed in the World Trade Centers on 9/11. Before his death, his father designs plan to send him all over Central Park to force him to talk to people and gain social skills. The movie focuses on this journey were he does venture out of his comfort zone.

(The Trailer)

(A short clip showing is inability to understand metaphor and symbolism). 

While I did not like this movie in general (it was slow), I though it was a very interesting and unique look into a boy's adventure after his father's death. Even without the official diagnosis, he has many symptoms of a high functioning child with ASD and I would never doubt that he was on the spectrum. This movie shows that you don't need to have all the symptoms, or severe symptoms, for a suspected diagnosis. The adventure allows the viewers to watch an "atypical" child learn and grow from the experiences he has, especially those outside his comfort zone. It would have been better for the screenwriters to officially label the boy, because this message would be valuable to the general public.