In Their Own Words: "Adam", a Parent's Perspective
By Phillip Hain
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
By Phillip Hain
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
For people not immersed in the world of autism spectrum disorders, it's easy and quite accurate to say that "Adam" is a poignant modern love story about the challenges of a romantic relationship complicated because one half of the couple has Asperger's syndrome. And the film has many positive elements, the primary one being Hugh Dancy's accurate portrayal of the title character.
Adam is an electronics engineer living alone in New York after the death of his father. He works for a company that makes toys and has created a "star tracker system" in his apartment because he likes outer space. When Beth (Rose Byrne) moves into the building, she's initially baffled by his quirky behavior, but also taken with his innocence. As they grow closer Adam subsequently explains his Asperger's and even uses the term "mind blindness" to help her understand him.
Give Beth credit for doing research to learn more about the disorder while she has to overcome both her own doubts that Adam is "not prime relationship material," in addition to her parents' apprehension. This particular romance is overly complicated because she has to figure out the emotional status for both of them and also communicate with Adam at a level he understands.
As the father of a teenager diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, I'm only exaggerating slightly when I say the film scared me. That's because my son is very much like Adam. Andrew has his own thoughts, likes to be independent and can do many things on his own, such as walking around town.
But he also possesses a naïveté that worries me. He knows not to talk to strangers but can be very friendly and outgoing. I vacillate between immense pride at what he's accomplished over 13 years and concern that he will still need a strong support system to navigate his adulthood. Will he fall in love like Adam? Will he be able to hold a job for a continued period? Will others embrace him fully?
I realize these questions are faced by all parents, even those of neurotypicals – yes, Adam uses that exact phrase – but I also know that our worries are justifiably more so. For me, "Adam" was a bit of an alarm in my head. I enjoyed it and commend the filmmakers for their fine work in getting people to potentially know more about one aspect of autism.
But it still left me unsettled – and that may not be such a bad thing.
Phillip Hain is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks' Los Angeles Chapter and the father of a teenager who has Asperger's Syndrome.
"Adam" opened in select theaters last week. The romantic comedy stars Hugh Dancy as an intriguing young man with Asperger's who has led a sheltered existence until he meets his new neighbor. Beth, played by Rose Byrne, is a young woman who pulls him into the outside world with funny and unexpected results. Read more about the movie and watch an exclusive interview with Hugh Dancy here.
Give Beth credit for doing research to learn more about the disorder while she has to overcome both her own doubts that Adam is "not prime relationship material," in addition to her parents' apprehension. This particular romance is overly complicated because she has to figure out the emotional status for both of them and also communicate with Adam at a level he understands.
As the father of a teenager diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, I'm only exaggerating slightly when I say the film scared me. That's because my son is very much like Adam. Andrew has his own thoughts, likes to be independent and can do many things on his own, such as walking around town.
But he also possesses a naïveté that worries me. He knows not to talk to strangers but can be very friendly and outgoing. I vacillate between immense pride at what he's accomplished over 13 years and concern that he will still need a strong support system to navigate his adulthood. Will he fall in love like Adam? Will he be able to hold a job for a continued period? Will others embrace him fully?
I realize these questions are faced by all parents, even those of neurotypicals – yes, Adam uses that exact phrase – but I also know that our worries are justifiably more so. For me, "Adam" was a bit of an alarm in my head. I enjoyed it and commend the filmmakers for their fine work in getting people to potentially know more about one aspect of autism.
But it still left me unsettled – and that may not be such a bad thing.
Phillip Hain is the Executive Director of Autism Speaks' Los Angeles Chapter and the father of a teenager who has Asperger's Syndrome.
"Adam" opened in select theaters last week. The romantic comedy stars Hugh Dancy as an intriguing young man with Asperger's who has led a sheltered existence until he meets his new neighbor. Beth, played by Rose Byrne, is a young woman who pulls him into the outside world with funny and unexpected results. Read more about the movie and watch an exclusive interview with Hugh Dancy here.
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