I watched this documentary and was gobsmacked by how derogatory it came across. It depicts members of the autistic community in such a demeaning way - featuring mostly individuals who have considerably high support needs. It portrays autism as a behavioral issue and as the medical model of disability. I would not say Louis Theroux truly listened to the autistic experience - it was all centered around how hard it is for a family to have to 'deal' with an autistic family member. Where was the actual opportunity to let autistic individuals speak for themselves? Where was the chance to meet members of the autistic community who mask, who excel academically, who present with average or above average speech and language skills? Just like neurotypicals, autistic people present incredibly diversely. All this show does is promote the abusive ABA therapy and let clueless viewers believe autism is a burden in society which it is NOT.
Louis Theroux: Extreme Love - Autism
(2012 TV Movie)
Completely demeaning of autistic individuals and totally centered around others
13 March 2022