Ep 20. Extreme Love: Autism

Louis Theroux, the acclaimed British documentary filmmaker, explores the lives of families who have children diagnosed with autism in the 20th episode of the first season of his eponymous show, titled 'Extreme Love: Autism.' The episode takes a deep dive into the day-to-day routines and struggles of these families as they navigate through the complexities of this condition.

Theroux begins by meeting with a family from New Jersey who have a 12-year-old son with autism. The boy, Joey, has hardly spoken since he was four and has limited social skills. Theroux observes the different techniques and approaches the family employs to manage Joey's behavior. Theroux tries to understand how the family has learned to deal with the various challenges that come with raising such a child. Joey's mother describes the immense emotional burden that they bear and how it has changed their life as a family. Through this family, Theroux shows how the condition not only affects the child but also the family as a whole.

In another segment, Theroux meets with a couple whose son has severe autism. They explain how they once had to change his nappy 12 times a day, as he refused to use the toilet. His condition was so intense that he was kicked out of numerous schools. The family moved to Pennsylvania, where they were able to enroll their son in a specialized school for children with autism. Theroux visits the school and observes the therapies used to help children with autism develop social skills. He talks to the staff who explain how their approach has improved children's lives.

Theroux also meets with an autistic teenager, Daniel, who has done well in school, and his family. The teenager shares his experience with Theroux, and the filmmaker learns how he has adapted and overcome the obstacles in his way. Daniel's mother explains how difficult it was to get the right diagnosis, while his father discusses how the family had to move away from their community to get Daniel the specialized help he needed.

Throughout the episode, Theroux examines the way society views autism and its challenges. He sits down with various experts and medical professionals who offer up different theories and techniques for treating autism. One specialist posits that autism is just a different way of thinking, while another posits that certain therapies can help. Others discuss the various medications prescribed to manage the condition, as well as controversies surrounding them.

'Extreme Love: Autism' is an eye-opening exploration of the different ways autism can impact people's lives. It is an honest, compassionate, and thought-provoking look into the challenges faced by individuals and their families. The episode highlights how the different families have found ways to manage their children's condition, and through them, Theroux illuminates how the condition affects children of varying ages, backgrounds, and severity.

Ultimately, Theroux's empathetic approach encourages viewers to reflect on the difficulties faced by those with autism and how best to support them. 'Extreme Love: Autism' is a powerful work of documentary filmmaking that tackles a complex subject with sensitivity and humanity.