Special film documents search for answers about autism
klykins@tntech.edu
Office of Communications & Marketing
“The Horse Boy,” a documentary-style film following a child with autism and his parents on their journey to find effective treatment, will be shown twice at Tennessee Tech University on Saturday, Dec. 5.
The award-winning film will be shown at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. in TTU’s Backdoor Playhouse. In an effort to reach out to the autistic community, the family friend viewing at 1 p.m. will offer dimmed lights, lowered volume and a quite room for persons with autism.
Rowan Isaacson was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. When traditional therapies did not work for him, his family made a quest to Outer Mongolia in search of an effective treatment. The Isaacsons noticed that Rown had a special interest in horses, which led them to take a giant leap of faith in pursuit of the best treatment possible for the son.
The film displays the challenges that those affected by autism face while also giving viewers a look into the autistic mind.
This exclusive showing of the film made its way to Tennessee Tech through an unusual series of events. TTU senior Jeremy Holt watched the movie trailer in a course about autism and was inspired to contact Zeitgeist Films about bringing the move to campus.
Holt’s determination garnered support from TTU’s Positive Behavior Support and Inclusion program and the Backdoor Playhouse.
Admission is free, but seating is limited to 250. Reservations are recommended.
For more movie information, visit www.horseboymovie.com. For more information about the showing, contact Julie Ton at 372-6463 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
