Overview

The category of developmental disability is very heterogeneous, including, among others, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.  These disorders have often been portrayed in feature films, although not equally: higher functioning levels of autism spectrum disorder (Asperger’s syndrome) are highly over represented.  In each session, we will review the basic information about some of these disorders, then consider how they have been depicted in feature films.

Topics

Week 1: This session will cover the basic definitions of the various forms of developmental disability, together with a brief history of their identification. The major portion of the session is devoted to an overview of the films that will be discussed in this series, together with information about where you can watch them if you choose to.

Week 2:Intellectual disability is depicted in some feature films but far less than autism spectrum disorder.  Films considered include the insightful films Charly (remade as Flowers for Algernon)  as well as Forrest Gump and Radio.

Week 3: The savant syndrome has captured the interest of filmmakers far beyond the frequency of people who have it. In this session, we will focus on the film that put Asperger’s syndrome on the map, Rain Man as well as Mozart and the Whale, Mercury Rising and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Week 4: The depiction of females with disabilities and their mothers varies widely from film to film, as has the depiction of sexuality among people with developmental disabilities.  Films discussed include Adam, Boy Who Could Fly and House of Cards. We will also discuss horror films with characters on the spectrum and films depicting them as violent.

Week 5: The importance of family support and the stress levels of families of people with developmental disabilities are both very substantial.  Films considered include Mabul, Ben X, Ocean Heaven and Stand Clear of the Closing Doors.

Week 6: This session is devoted to treatment of disabilities and to the legal status of people with disabilities. Films include I am Sam, Shoelaces, Molly and Silent Fall.

Lecturer Biography

Barry H. Schneider is a retired clinical psychologist and professor of psychology. He has taught full-time at the University of Ottawa, the University of Toronto and Boston College as well as visiting professor appointments in 11 countries. He also has some background in film studies, including academic coursework and consulting work with independent filmmakers.