For those with autism, documentary offers new hope

[March 28, 2011]  MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) -- A new documentary about autism is making unlikely stars out of two Vermont men who don't speak much but still have a lot to say.

"Wretches and Jabberers," premieres Friday in New York City and then in AMC Theatres nationally a day later, on World Autism Awareness day. It follows Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette to Sri Lanka, Japan and Finland as they embark on a mission to change people's attitudes about disability, intelligence and communication.

The men use specially-equipped keyboards to do their talking.

Directed by Academy Award-winner Gerardine Wurzburg, the film mixes humor and real-life pain to show how the men spread their word of empowerment.

[Associated Press]

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