Life, Animated: Autism Documentary in Theaters July 1

LIFE, ANIMATED is the story of Owen Suskind, a young man who was unable to speak as a child until he and his family discovered a unique way to communicate by immersing themselves in the world of classic Disney animated films. The film follows Owen as he enters adulthood and takes his first steps toward independence.

The subject of his father Ron Suskind’s New York Times bestseller, Owen was a thriving three-year-old who suddenly and inexplicably went silent – and for years after, remained unable to connect with other people or convey his thoughts, feelings, or desires. Over time, through repeated viewings of Disney classics likeThe Little Mermaid and The Lion King, Owen found useful tools to help him to understand complex social cues and to reconnect with the world around him. Watch the trailer, find a theater near you showing the film, and check out The Arc’s conversation guide to spark dialogue about the film’s topics.