The Black Balloon (2008) - User Reviews

I shed a tear watching the trailer to this one, I knew it was too close to home not to hit hard. I have 2 boys with Aspergers one of which is majorly high maintenance. The impact on our family life is huge and it hurts to see my daughter stuck in the middle.

This afternoon I went along with my 10 yr old Aspie and a fellow mum with a child on the spectrum. We spent the entire movie noting similarities, nodding in agreement and feeling for the parents. For me, the things that hit the hardest were watching the emotional, mental and physical toll of day to day life and how much the other siblings miss out. Whether we like it or not our lives revolve around them and how they react to everything.

Charlie (the Autistic brother) was wonderful. He is so similar to a boy we know that it was quite eerie. Thomas (the brother) played the role to perfection. A 15 yr old boy torn between his love of his brother and the desire to have a normal life.

I have to recommend this as an ideal movie to watch if you want an idea of what life is with Autism. Be prepared to be shocked and upset. The language is somewhat strong at times and there are concepts which will need explaining but I see no reason for older children not to watch.

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