One out of 60 kids in America is diagnosed with an autistic disorder. While doctors continue to wrestle with treatments for this and other neurological conditions, young people who are affected often face difficult, if not hostile, social environments. In his film LONELY HIGHWAY, 18 year old filmmaker Andy Kwiatkowski shares what life was like growing up with autism. Despite good intentions by some teachers, Kwiatkowski ate lunch by himself every day of high school in the cafeteria. Without waxing sentimental, the film shines light on the ferocity of one family’s love on the filmmaker’s ability to overcome obstacles. In TWICE EXCEPTIONAL, 14-year-old filmmaker Samuel Faux introduces his audience to apraxia of speech which has affected him since he began speaking. Faux investigates his condition on camera with doctors, former teachers, and his own family (including his brother, who is also affected.)
Both filmmakers find the resilience necessary to eschew the label of the “kid with a disability” and define themselves on their own terms.
