Final answer:
The movie explores the inheritance of genes predisposing individuals to autism spectrum disorders and how families handle raising a child with a disability, like decisions about education. It also addresses societal misconceptions and the need for greater understanding of individuals with ASD.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the movie addressed in the question, patterns of autism within families, especially when there is only one deaf person, shed light on the inheritance of genes predisposing individuals to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The movie likely explores how autism occurs within families and reflects on the difficulties and different approaches taken in raising deaf children or those with disabilities. This can involve decisions about whether to enroll the deaf child in mainstream schools or in specialized institutions to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and become immersed in deaf culture.
For example, a film may depict a family grappling with a diagnosis of autism in a context of mixed hearing abilities. The narrative could show how the family weighs the options for their child's education and may even explore the tension between different members' perspectives on the best path forward. If the parents are hearing while the child is deaf, this may impact their decision differently than if one parent also shares the disability.
Through storytelling from the perspective of living with a cognitive disability, films have the power to demonstrate the behavioral symptoms associated with ASD, such as impaired social skills, difficulty with eye contact, and a tendency toward repetitive behaviors. The stories can also highlight issues faced by those with autism, including challenges in communication, public misconceptions, and the need for greater societal acceptance.
When discussing ASD, it is important to recognize that it is not limited to cognitive disabilities but can coexist with physical disabilities, like in the case of a deaf person with autism. Exploring such scenarios in movies can serve to raise awareness and understanding of the complex experiences of individuals with ASD and their families.