Living with autism.

This documentary is presented by Uta Frith, a trained clinical psychologist and expert in autism. She shares her research findings. Children were first given the diagnosis of autism in the 1960s; black and white footage of Joe as a child is shown to Joe as an adult. Uta then talks about autistic savants; those children with autism with unusual abillities. Professor Richard Cohen studies calendrical talent and assesses Kenny, an autistic teenager. Only 10% of autistic children have these gifts. Kenny gives his views about his talents. Uta devises a test with four large boards featuring 'Where's Wally?' The autistic children are extraordinarily quick at finding Wally in the picture. Uta talks about the focus on detail. Kathy Lette, the author, meets Uta with her son, Jools, an articulate young man with Asperger's who wants to be an actor. He copes well with this relaxed setting. Uta devised a test (Sally/Anne test) in the 1980s involving 2 dolls and a story; most 4/5 year olds understand the story which reveals an additional social sense which she calls 'mentalising'. Professor Francesca Halpin who collaborates with Uta demonstrates a test with animated triangles. Autistic people struggle with the 'obvious' scenarios. These tests were carried out in a brain scanner (not shown) and autistic people were not using the part of the brain dedicated to 'mentalising'. Sarah, a public speaker and trainer, has successfully masked her autism by mimicking people's behaviour. Dr Antonia Hamilton demonstrates another kind of test (a boat in a box). Sarah has met a man, Keith, also with on the autistic spectrum and they describe their unconventional first date and what close relationships are like for autistic people. Uta explores whether autism is a recent phenomenon; Uta unearths a case (Hugh Blair) in 1757 and the very strange behaviour which was recorded as part of a court case. Uta visits Cambridge University and ponders whether Issac Newton who came across as very eccentric. Simon Baron Cohen talks to Uta about measuring autistic traits. At Birbeck College, Kim Davies is running a study on babies using brain scans to detect autism. Not all babies with the markers go onto to receive a diagnosis of autism.