Chapter 1. The Two Faces of Autism

Short Description

This video focuses on two 11-year-old boys who have autism, highlighting this disorder marked by an impaired theory of mind. James suffers a severe form of autism.

Long Description

This video focuses on two 11-year-old boys who have autism, highlighting this disorder marked by an impaired theory of mind. James suffers a severe form of autism. He has no language and significant learning difficulties. Typically, he is happy and affectionate. However, when frustrated, he responds aggressively. Lawrence, who also suffers language impairment, showed evidence of autism at age 3. Frustrated and clearly upset with a malfunctioning video screen, he shouts gibberish and finally leaves the room. The narrator notes that autism likely represents a spectrum of disorders that vary in severity. Common to all forms of autism, however, are three central features. The first characteristic is an inability to form meaningful social relationships. A second common feature of autism is language impairment. The third characteristic of the disorder is a lack of imagination. Autism has no cure and is lifelong.

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