Far From the Tree

Documentary about families with kids that are 'different,' based on the book by the same name. Issues include autism, down's syndrome, a dwarf, and a child killer. The author is gay, and used that issue and his family reaction as the springboard to examine other families with 'different' children. I saw this at a proper theater and it was pretty good, but in a PBS documentary kind of way, and did not stand up as a feature.

The same people that rate the Grand Canyon a 4 is why these beautiful stories are judged as anything but. Should be a mandatory watch in middle and high school.

All I can say is I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I was very moved by this documentary and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the human psyche..

As I saw another user mention, the inclusion of a story involving rapid prompting method was my only gripe with this otherwise moving documentary. As a speech pathologist, I feel it's important to note that this method and "facilitated communication", which was also pictured, are not evidence based means of communication. The "facilitator" needs to be present- even without physically touching they may prompt the desired answer with eye gaze, as such it may appear the message was generated by the individual when in fact it was the facilitator. This is highly problematic and there are a multitude or other options for augmentative and alternative options that are evidence based. I do respect and empathize that this method was likely introduced to the parents by a speech pathologist and it is a reminder of the importance of best practice and evidence based treatment recommendations.

Other than that I thought this film was lovely and it was interesting to hear both the parents and their children's perspectives.

Trying reading mr. solomon's book, which lives on my beside table - with one of the most profound and exquisite introductions i've ever read. so glad this film was made; hope a second one comes out with more of the extraordinary histories. and get your kleenex out. thank you, mr. solomon & co.