Released in September 2008, the Black Balloon was the winning International Film Festival in Berlin in 2008. This victory came with its UK debut that was held at Edinburgh International Film Festival in June same year. The author of the film was right there present to respond to questions right after finishing the film presentation.
The movie explores the various dynamics of one military family, the Mollisons, who happens to have born and raised a child who has autism, a spectrum condition. The accounts of the chronology of events leading to the family resettlement to the new area and the disruptions the family suffers are all presented by a 15-year-old boy in the name of Thomas.
The film has not fallen short of giving the chilling details of the key issues or features of autism as a spectrum disorder. The deficits of Charlie in the social media platforms are seen as he interacts freely, and its through such interactions that Thomas gets completely neuro-typical and falls in love with the Gemma Ward, Jackie. The film portrays the body language, the nuance application, and the reciprocal gaze as being the exact contrast of the apparent frustrations Charlie goes through regarding social appropriateness. This is best depicted when the boy runs away with Jackies school bag, only to be found busy chewing Jackies tampons, without showing any shreds of the embarrassment of the brothers.
Communication remains a challenge for Charlie as the film shows. The language sings used by Charlie are rather obscurant to the extent that the body language or the misinterpretation of implications of the words becomes a challenge. Thomas is entirely dissatisfied with this condition and faces apparent frustrations at what the condition has brought him regarding limitations on expressions. This is a phenomenon that reinforces an underlying point of the boys life. The theme of challenges regarding new situations and the routine duties are depicted through the film. There is a clear outset of the family movement into the new house, Charlie apparently bemused by this, as he bangs a wooden spoon and wailing at the same time, perhaps a perfect body language of communicating his distress at the situation.
It is quite regrettable that Charlie could not get the benefits that come with the language and speech therapy as well as behavioral psychology contribution, a fact that could have mitigated the effects of Charlies most challenging behaviors. This condition seems to have colonized the poor lad, to the extent that he is seen rubbing an excrement into the carpets in this bedroom which is later cleaned up by the brother and the pre-eclamptic mother. The film presents a scene where the boy is utterly terrified at the thought that his girlfriend had witnessed what had just happened. It can be deduced that the author of the film wanted to present across, the negligent aspect of adults or parents who fail to check for the younger ones and the need to take care of them and supporting them. This is something that sometimes overshadows the developmental as well as emotional needs of the children.
The film is based on a personal experience of the author of the movie, Elissa Down, who apparently had two brothers suffering from the autism-spectrum disorder, and this is an experience she had to contend with as she grew up. This is one thing that gives the film an element of a matter of the fact aspect. The film also presents some genuine emotional warmth as this is depicted through the emotional attachments and the feelings of affection as shown by Thomas, and this love seems to resonate so well in spite of the daily prayers that Charlie recovers and gets back to normalcy. Thomas also loves his brother so much that in one of the scenes, he ardently mirrors the brothers body language and communication style to the excellent effects.
The issue of acceptance seems to be the central question in the film. Apparently, it is very relevant in the entire movie presentation. By the Mollison family moving to a new environment, they come to terms with new challenges, especially with regards to the younger brother of Charlie, Thomas. The same theme is developed by the other characters in the film. It is important to take note of the important role belonging plays in an individuals life. The two characters in the name of Thomas and Charlie seem to have rarely felt the sense of belonging. The brother's state apparently ashames Thomas and even thought that his brothers disability served as the barrier for him getting to belong with the rest of their peers and in the community. Evidently, Thomas blatantly declined to travel in a bus by being afraid to be seen by his friends. This only went away after Jackie happened to have accepted him despite the brother being in such a condition.
Briefly, outline the medical condition around which the movie is centered. Include in your description whether there is any genetic component and if so explain what it is.
The medical condition around which this movie is centered is known as autism. Autism refers to a complex developmental disability that typically appears in the early childhood also, affecting an individuals ability to communicate and also interact with the others. The condition is defined and shaped by a particular kind of behavior plus the spectrum affecting personalities differently and with varying degrees. Notably, this condition does not have any single causative agent. However, increased awareness, as well as an early diagnosis, is seen as a good means of having an improved outcome.
Some known typical behavior from autism includes a delay in language learning, difficulties in having eye contacts, or holding a constructive conversation, intense interests, sensory sensitivities and poor motor skills.
Importantly, the disease condition is treatable, but knowing the signs early enough can help a great deal. Children never outgrow autism; however, studies have shown that early diagnosis, as well as intervention, can lead to a significant improvement regarding outcomes.
Signs as well as the symptoms to look for in children
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of autism in children. When keenly observed, the occurrence of such conditions in children can easily be averted.
There is delayed speech
Stammering or repetitive use of motor mannerisms, like clapping of hands, or twirling of objects
No eye contacts or little if any
Lack of interest in groupings or peer relations
Lack of make believe plays
Persistent repairs of object parts
The Genetic component of autism
As a matter of fact, autism has a strong genetic foundation, even though, it is a complex occurrence and is yet to be established whether the condition is explained more through the use of multiple gene interactions or through rare genetic mutations that bear major after effects. For each of the autistic victim, several mutations in one single gene may be implicated.
In autistic families, there is a clear relation of disabilities, and this supports the theory of this condition being on a genetic basis. While there is no single gene has been identified to be responsible for autism, studies have shown that the irregular segments that occur in the genetic code of autistic children may have their origins from inheritance.
New studies have demonstrated that autism spectrum is one of the most heritable of the known neuropsychiatric conditions.
Impacts of autism on families
Autism is a complex disorder diagnosed in childhood and has a broad base of symptoms. The condition has become more prevalent in males than in females. The condition affects families and parents of the victim as it alters the dynamics of the family entirely. These effects range from psychological to physical. For instance, mothers get continually depressed with the knowledge that their children are affected by this condition. They are often sunk in seeking opinions and assurances that things are alright. This, in turn, affects them and their daily routine duties, let alone interactions with the rest of the families. As a matter of fact, this can spill over to the other members of the family and a good ground for blame games might set in.
The other issue that comes with autism is the increasing medical bills which translate to more expenses and financial strains in the family. As a matter of fact, this financial burden, aside from imposing tough economic situations within the family, can also lead to misunderstanding as money related issues sometimes bear more weight when it comes to family relations. This can occur when one of the providers in the family feel that the financial burden is not equally shared among the family members.
In a more fashionable manner, for one to be able to successfully handle the pressures and the strains that come with autism, it is important that they make time for the family and for themselves to spend time together as they seek to find a solution to the problem, be it the formal respite services, counselling or just babysitting on a monthly basis.
It is also important for the individual parents to take it upon themselves to foster positive relations and interactions between the family and the children and this includes the children who suffer from this ailment. Parents and elder siblings are role models to their young ones, and that means that better interaction methods between the two parties are highly encouraged.
Possible harms and benefits of potential genetic testing for autism in Melbourne
The decision as to whether or not to take any genetic testing on an individual comes with significant benefits, and while at it, there are equally potential risks involved. It becomes necessary to adequately understand these risks as well as the benefits before one makes a decision to have the same.
The benefits
The genetic tests might tell one for certain the genetic makeup of their children. For some people, this form of relief is very significant for them, even if the news they get from these tests are not what they always anticipate. If good, the news can mean a great sense of relief.
Genetic tests can also be very useful in the diagnosis of genetic conditions. When an accurate diagnosis is carried out, the best and correct treatment or solution can be found for the same. If in any case, the genetic tests indicate that there is an increased risk that develops into a condition at a later date in life, then such should call for regular check-ups or even more stringent measures to ensure that everything is gotten right and the chances of the condition getting to extreme situations averted.
Lastly, the results that come with genetic tests can be very useful in the overall planning for future cures and risk prevention.
Risk and limitations
Genetic tests and waiting for their results then receiving them has a mix of reactions that are mostly emotional. Some of these emotional feelings include guilt, anxiety, and relief. It, therefore, calls for all and sundry to take a keen consideration of these facts before they engage in such undertakings.
As much as the genetic diagnosis may be successful, the chances that solutions to the problem can be found can be very slim. Additionally, there are almost certain chances that genetic mutations can sometimes prove difficult to find. The other problem is that the results can reveal certain serious family conditions that they might not feel comfortable sharing.
Despite the disturbing scenes in the movie, the risks that are the viewers are treated to quite stereotyping, and this resonates well with the film. The film is quite inspirational as, through it, the viewers get to appreciate the caring parents who stop at nothing but caring for their children. One is also able to appreciate all the mistakes parents make and this, although not a justification of the wrongs that...
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