I didn't read book, but saw the movie, and I beg to differ.....
I was very impressed that there were not one, but two characters with autism: a child with a diagnosis (the younger version played by child with autism and the older version not) and an adult without a diagnosis (played by Richard Jenkins). All three actors did a great job. There was no 'hyperactivity', but then that might mean something different to me.
Both characters were full members of the community and the autism was just part of who they were – no big deal. Each of the autistics was very different from the other. There was no pity-party or milking the issue at all, and there was even a very well done scene (of the adult autistic) showing empathy. The adult came near close to having a melt down, which was not judged but accepted. There is no "cure" agenda. They are multi-dimensional side characters.
The dad did have a narrow focus on coins and prepare the same meals on the same day (I actually used to do the same thing til my kids refused to eat my cooking - I thought it was efficient and helped me to avoid cooking jags, but now my kids don't eat my cooking so I just jag), but then if there isn't "Restricted repetitive & stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities (DSM IV)", it aint aspergers is it? How are you any different?
The dad was also a single parent who managed the house and kept the place neat and clean and his son safe and well cared for, but he also struggled with the same issues I face as an autistic parent of typical-developing children. The dad did work to develop a fine coin collection (as did my very own father), but this was not portrayed as heroic or savant, but the result of human being pursuing an interest through the years.
One of the plot lines is the typical son does not get along with his autistic dad. When the female protagonist suggests it’s because of his autism, the son initially reacts negatively but it leads to understanding, acceptance, and relationship-building. As an autistic parent I yearn for my typical children's acceptance of my differences. One's children tend to be the most intolerant for any parent, but I think it is accentuated for us autistics because we really are wierd. I have never seen this issue raised in any media! I think people assume that autistics are never parents.
It is a Nicholas Sparks story, so of course it is a tear-jerker, but because the treatment of autism was exceptionally authentic, I had to google the connection Sparks has with autism, and found that he has a diagnosed son.
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We sour green apples live our own inscrutable, carefree lives... (Max Frei)
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