John Parker, the director, producer, and editor of the film A Boy Called Po, sheds light on the intricate realities of raising a child with autism. With personal experience as the father of an autistic son, Alex, now 14, Parker’s motivations for creating the film extend beyond mere entertainment to a genuine desire for awareness and understanding.
“I aimed for authenticity in my film,” Parker explains. “I want the autism community to embrace it and give their validation. My goal was never profit; it was to enlighten people about autism. I simply hope that everyone has the chance to see it.”
When I expressed that I, too, am a parent of an autistic child, Parker immediately shifted from his role as a filmmaker to that of a supportive father. “We were fortunate that Alex was diagnosed early, around two and a half. Early diagnosis is crucial,” he recounts. “I remember worrying if he would ever live independently. Yet just last week, he entered high school without a shadow aide, attending both special education and mainstream classes. He’s thriving and even getting ready for his driver’s license.”
His pride was palpable, but the weight of his words resonated with a sense of shared struggle. “You have much to look forward to,” he reassured me, offering a glimmer of hope.
As we delved into our experiences, I shared my recent diagnosis journey for my son. Parker recounted his own experience when Alex was diagnosed. “At UCLA, a doctor observed Alex stacking miniature cones perfectly, and when Jenny, my wife, asked if our son had autism, the doctor turned the question back to her. She broke down in tears.”
While the saying, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” holds true, the experiences of parents often resonate more universally. I found comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone in this journey. The film’s portrayal of a father navigating similar challenges provided a sense of connection and validation.
As our conversation deepened, I opened up about my struggles as a new special needs mom. I expressed how autism impacts not just our children, but also our relationships, marriages, and overall lives. Parker understood. A Boy Called Po touches on many of the obstacles I face daily. I was curious about which personal experiences he wove into the film.
He highlighted a scene where David, played by Christopher Gorham, reaches a breaking point. “That scene reflects a lot of the frustration I experienced. Sometimes, as fathers, we feel compelled to project that everything is fine,” he noted. “But the reality is often different. The divorce rate for parents of autistic children is alarmingly high.”
I shared my own marital struggles, noting how many mothers feel their partners don’t fully grasp the complexities of parenting an autistic child. Parker quickly affirmed, “We do see it, but men often struggle to communicate their feelings. We tend to internalize our fears instead of sharing them.”
He offered a poignant piece of advice: “Communication is vital. It’s okay to express your fears. I wish I had done that more with Jenny. It’s essential to acknowledge the difficulties.”
In A Boy Called Po, David reflects the struggles many face when feeling alone in the journey of parenting an autistic child. I asked Parker how one copes when they find themselves carrying this burden solo, whether through loss or separation.
“Never lose hope,” he urged. “Even when it feels overwhelming, remember the beautiful gift that your child is. Don’t give up.”
Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and as a fellow autism parent, Parker resonated with the struggles of navigating therapy appointments and insurance hurdles. He understood the stress and the sometimes chaotic bond that forms as a result of these challenges.
I asked Parker about his hopes for A Boy Called Po. “I want the autism community to share this film with their neurotypical friends,” he said. “It’s designed to bridge understanding. It’s entertaining and emotional, making it relatable for typical families. It can help them see what we go through daily.”
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In summary, Parker’s insights into the realities of autism parenting highlight both the struggles and the triumphs. His film aims to foster understanding and connection, making it a valuable resource for families navigating similar journeys.