We just saw (for the second time, because apparently that's our thing now) one of the most well executed films I have ever seen. Inside Out should be required viewing for every parent, and Autism Parents should have to watch it once a day for the rest of the foreseeable future. In it one can find the type of imagery that can only be created by PIXAR, and the lessons that will last a lifetime that can only come through the execution of an amazing story. Why should Autism Parents have to watch this film every day? Because it helps them remember that Autism is the reason children don't respond the way they should. If you can imagine Riley's head without the console. Remember when she was a baby and there was one big button? Remember that the strength of the emotion Joy or Sadness was based on that button? Well imagine Riley's head where every emotion had it's own button, and their own screen. That would be Spirit's head in a nutshell. All of his emotions vying for complete control of his mind and body. All of them seeing the situation as their opportunity to control the situation. What a mess that would be! How hard would it be to discern what was right. Especially when perception is skewed by each emotion's own interpretation. Oh yeah I forgot, they don't talk to each other either. SO Joy isn't talking Sadness out of her reaction, Anger isn't overriding Fear. Nothing but raw unbridled reaction. Wow my kid is amazing! Because in spite of all that confusion, all that misinterpretation, he finds a way to function. Don't ask me how. I know I couldn't do it. So let's tip our cap to all the kids with disorders. The kids whose headquarters aren't nearly as organized as Riley's. Because those are the kids that should be celebrated.
