I'm pretty sure we're the only family who doesn't have an amazing revelation about the movie Inside Out. I follow too many autism, 2e and gifted blogs to even count anymore. We're in Atlanta for 2 more days at the Summer Institute for the Gifted. It's a 3 week intensive opportunity for Britton to take 4 classes (Rainforest, Rocks and Minerals, Chemistry and Art). It's been tough being away from our norm, but also amazing being treated so well by family and friends as we stay with them. First, and sorry this isn't about the movie, but Britton has/had a HUGE fear of dogs. Well, the family we're staying with? Has 4 of them. We're considering stealing one of them on the way out...but most likely won't. However, I now know if we do ever get a dog what kind we should get.
So, last weekend I took Britton to a neighboring town to see Inside Out. I think every autism parent, and so many others were thrilled to see this movie that reveals so many emotions. I had this great thought and true deep hope that this was the one. The movie that would help unveil emotion in a way that Britton might accept, learn or adapt some emotion into his world. He giggled, worried and enjoyed the movie overall. And here after the movie I was so ready for the questions, thoughts, and great revelation to happen.
Well....I kept waiting. And waiting. Oh WAIT....Britton has emotional regulation issues, sensory processing disorder, language processing (expressive and receptive) oh and autism. Forget that he's gifted, this is not something that makes him magically understand emotion and interpret this movie as a guide for him to feel, interpret and 'get' emotions now. So I kept waiting. Oh wait...he did have a mini meltdown. He did get upset at his dad for not being there. He got really upset with me after the movie. Then? Then we went on with our typical night. It was as if we never went to the movie. Sure it was good, and yes, maybe for some other parents and children it was a revelation. For us? It was just movie #22 (I have no idea, but if you ask Britton, he'll know). I did the 'right' thing as an autism parent and tried a few posed questions about the movie, but got our typical response of 'I don't know". But if you wanted to hear about cumulonimbus clouds as the storm was approaching or a complicated thought about why some drivers are terrible driver, you could have joined our conversation in a heartbeat.
Don't get me wrong, I think the movie could be great for many families. It opens doors for conversations whether you're dealing with developmental disorders, emotional regulation, executive functioning issues and more. I'm glad it was out there for so many to find relief and open doors for them. For us? Nada.
It's something we've come to expect and learn about our son. He is one of the most caring and loving children you can find. He understands emotions quite well, and has memorized what all of them mean. Social Justice issues are at the forefront of his mind and yes, he gets upset, frustrated and more. However, to address them in meaningful conversations or to grasp them in real time is so tough for him. I will hopefully be able to prepare him through life as he meets a partner one day. I hope his dad teaches him how challenging expressing yourself that way can be. I hope that one day when asked, "how are you feeling about this" he can find the words to express himself. For now though? It's a world that he has to maneuver, which frustrates and confuses him.
So, Inside Out, thanks for the entertainment, but that's about it.
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