Autism: The Sequel

The most violent moment pictured is when Neal yanks a smaller child to the ground and then flaps his arms, but there's frank discussion of the high suicide rates connected with autism in adults, and Wyatt's mom says there were times when her son wanted to self-harm because he was so distraught about not being typically abled. Lexi's mom and dad talk about their fears about their daughter being victimized in an institutional setting.

Brief talk of one participant having had a girlfriend; his mom also says he wants to have a wife and family.

Language is infrequent but Henry says at one point he made the "edgiest f--king film in the world" and that he's a "weird motherf--ker." "S--t" is also heard.

One participant, who's an adult, says he's dehydrated in the morning from drinking the night before.

Parents need to know that Autism: The Sequel is a documentary about a group of young adults with autism and their parents that was filmed 12 years after the film Autism: The Musical. Participants are very frank about the challenges they face and the struggles they undertake in trying to win more independence and live typical lives. People with autism are asked directly about their feelings and allowed to speak for themselves, as are their parent caregivers. Both groups show extraordinary empathy and teamwork, and parents demonstrate loving support, acceptance, and encouragement. That said, participants are also frank about their feelings, which can be uncomfortable, including a mother who wonders who might love her son when she's gone, parents who worry that their daughter might get victimized, and a mom who admits that she wishes that her daughter will die before her (so the mom won't have to worry she won't be cared for). There's also talk about suicide and self-harm, though there are no visuals. At one point, a boy with autism yanks a smaller child to the ground. That child is comforted, and the boy with autism is calmed down. Language is infrequent, but one interviewee says he's a "weird motherf--ker"; he also says "s--t." The same interviewee refers to being dehydrated the morning after drinking too much. Participants are treated with dignity and respect, and no one is mocked for their lack of ability.

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