Citizen Autistic

Citizen Autistic is a profound and touching documentary released in 2013 that serves as a captivating exploration of autism through the lens of society, government, and the people who live with it every day. Directed by William Davenport, the film takes a raw and unfiltered look into the complex realities of autism, examining the systems in place that attempt to define and confine it. Packed with thought-provoking critique and candid insights from a variety of subjects, the movie characterizes itself with its compassionate approach toward the topic.

Citizen Autistic zooms in on the world of autism advocacy, and more specifically, the initiatives in the United States where protestors are rallying for autistic civil rights. The film boldly captures the spirit of those who are not just looking for support and understanding, but actively fighting for their rights. It portrays the collective voices and attempts of individuals and families who are lobbying against the current restrictive environments, unfair legislating and lack of opportunities for those diagnosed with Autism.

The intent of the film is not only to reveal the issues pertaining to autistic individuals, but also to shed light on the organizations and bodies that self-assume the role of advocates for this community. Davenport critically looks into high-profile autism organizations, primarily Autism Speaks, that paradoxically seldomly feature autistic voices in their cause. This powerfully illuminates the gaps in representation and the importance of inclusion of autistics in the conversations and decisions that directly affect them.

One of the main strengths of Citizen Autistic lies in its personal narratives. The documentary succeeds in presenting multiple perspectives, an important facet when dealing with such a complex and broadly encompassing condition like autism. It features interviews with a range of people – self-advocates who are autistic themselves, parents of children with autism, scholars who have researched autism, and various professionals in the field.

The stories of each of these interviewees are interwoven into the film’s narration, enabling the audience to truly grasp the human aspect of the disorder. The film highlights the individuality within the autism spectrum – a mother discussing her son's challenges and triumphs or an older autistic adult recounting their tales of isolation and finding solace in advocacy. This nuanced representation helps to break down stereotypical ideologies without glossing over the challenges associated with autism.

At the heart of Citizen Autistic is its insistence that autism should not be viewed as a tragedy, but rather as a different way of being that commands understanding and acceptance. It reinforces the concept that social and systemic changes are needed, rather than a pervasive emphasis on curing or eradicating autism.

With a runtime of 70 minutes, Citizen Autistic doesn't overstay its welcome. Instead, it provides a succinct yet impactful narrative that furthers the dialogue and effectively persuades the viewers to empathize with and understand its cause. The documentary strikingly maintains a delicate balance between being informative and emotive, working to debunk misconceptions, demystify and humanize autism, all while urging for more inclusive policies and practices.

Through its examination of the disparaging attitudes and inadequate resources often associated with autism, Citizen Autistic rightly induces outrage – outrage that a more inclusive, empathetic approach is not already in place. But it is not merely a showcase of injustices; it is an ode to resilience, a testament to the undying spirit of self-advocates and a heartfelt plea for change.

A hallmark of thoughtful and progressive filmmaking, Citizen Autistic leaves a lingering impression. It propels the viewer into a cognitive, emotional, and social journey – hallmarks of a thought-provoking and effective documentary. It commands attention, pleading for change through education and acceptance, while shedding light on the lived experience of those on the autism spectrum.

Emerging from your viewing of Citizen Autistic, you're left with an awareness that many aspects of society need modification to better provide for all citizens, especially those living with autism. The film makes you question the status quo, and urges you to reconsider not just how we perceive autism, but how we treat those who are autistic. With every frame, Citizen Autistic calls for viewers to be a part of the solution, to take action, showing the way to a more understanding, inclusive future society.