Film Description

The origins of autism has puzzled scientists, just as the disorder itself has frustrated parents. This revealing documentary takes us to the Listening Centre in Toronto, where therapist Paul Madaule has made remarkable strides in helping children and parents cope with the disorder. He seeks to moderate the warring senses that overwhelm autistic children, leaving them detached, isolated and uncommunicative. He achieves this by using a combination of auditory integration therapy and counseling.

Madaule has observed that autistic children are hypersensitive to the ordinary sounds of life. They shut themselves off as a defense mechanism. In the Centre, children wear earphones while they play, through which the mother's voice is heard telling simple stories. Her voice, along with music, goes through an electronic filtering system, which gradually allows the child to become tolerant of such sounds. Remarkable behavioral changes occur with treatment. One non-verbal little boy who had violent tantrums is now able to play games and speak. This form of treatment gives a new avenue to explore.