5 Relatable Family Moments From The Unbreakable Boy
The Unbreakable Boy showcases a reality many families with ausome kids face but, at the same time, comfort that struggling together is better than otherwise
Every family with an autistic kid has their own story due to autism’s various presentations. Some only have to deal with the developmental delays of autism, which can be resolved through early intervention. Others have to deal with accompanying physiological issues like, in the case of The Unbreakable Boy, osteogenesis imperfecta — a disease that makes bones “as brittle as chalk.” Yet, no matter how unique the presentation is, it’s still a struggle for any family. But that’s the beauty of The Unbreakable Boy movie; it remains candid on the heartbreaking losses and soul-renewing wins that families with autistic kids face.
Some of the scenes genuinely hit home for us. Here are some of those moments:
1. Seeing autism as something to be fixed
Because of published studies on children’s development, every parent has an idea of what “normal” is. Unfortunately, that concept is what also contributes to many seeing autism as a problem that’s meant to be fixed. When Scott feels something off about Austin (also known as Aus-man) and they [Teresa and he] have him evaluated, his line of questioning is very similar to many parents who encounter autism the first time: “Is there medication? Is it something he’ll grow out of?”
That contrast is further reinforced by how they handle the news of Austin’s osteogenesis imperfecta. With the disease being more straightforward because of its physical manifestations, Teresa and Scott quickly make changes in the house to accommodate it. With Austin’s autism, it took Scott time to understand what Austin needed.
2. Scott and Teresa being overwhelmed by Austin
Parenting is already overwhelming by itself. When kids are screaming for us around the house or talking our ears off, we’d like just a few minutes in the closet or bathroom for some silence. It’s exactly what both Scott and Teresa do. Scott has locked himself in the bathroom and there was a time that he and Teresa hid themselves to find some quiet time away from Austin whose autism presented in the form of non-stop talking without any recognition of needing to stop.
Austin’s behavior isn’t the only overwhelming thing. Sometimes, coping with trying to understand the predicament can also contribute to being overwhelmed. Throughout the movie, the instances that Scott drinks increase the more he feels things are spinning out of control. It gets so bad to the point he becomes an alcoholic and triggers bad memories in Teresa.
3. The heartbreak of leaving a child in a hospital’s or institute’s hands
Autistic kids are more prone to meltdowns and in the worst-case scenarios, they do escalate into violence. While they don’t mean to maim or harm, emotionally lost and overwhelmed autistic kids will struggle to pull themselves out of their rage. What usually works is a physical distraction like a hug to pull their attention away from their rage.
But what does a parent do when the meltdowns endanger their other children? The heartbreaking choice Scott and Teresa made in bringing and leaving (even temporarily) Austin in the psychiatric facility is a reality that families whose autistic kids suffer from poor impulse control sometimes face. In the case of Scott and Teresa, Logan, their younger son, was already in danger. Although it broke their hearts to do so, it was the best they could do: not only would Austin get the treatment and help he needed, but Logan would be safe.
4. The financial strain of treatments
As parents, we will never blame our children for the financial strain their treatments need, especially if we know it’s medical. We will always find ways to afford it; from downsizing the house to giving up certain dreams, we will bury that frustration deep inside because we know that our kids need the money more than we do.
Although the financial strain in The Unbreakable Boy came more from the operations to treat the accidents caused by his osteogenesis imperfecta, therapy and interventions for autism cost money too! In the Philippines, a therapy session — depending on what the child needs — can range from PHP 800.00 to PHP 2000.00. That doesn’t even include the gas it takes to go to the therapy center or the medications needed.
5. A lifestyle more centered around the autistic kid
As parents, it’s programmed into us to do everything in our power to make everything easy for our kids. Even more so when our kids are autistic. The Unbreakable Boy certainly reflects that. Granted, it’s told from the viewpoint of both Scott and Austin but, Logan was often pushed to the side. The unspoken strain eventually gave way when Tyler took his skateboard and he decided to release his pent-up aggression. Years of taking in Tyler’s bullying, training himself to match Austin’s movements and pace, and his parents “cooling off,” were frustrations he had to deal with on his own.
That’s a lot for a kid — autistic or not — to deal with!
Catch The Unbreakable Boy in the Theaters!
But what we love most about The Unbreakable Boy is how candid it is about the experience. All parents, whether their kids are autistic or not, want the same thing: for the kids to grow up happy, healthy, and safe. While the route to that for some may look harder than others, it doesn’t mean that the journey there needs to be handled alone. Sometimes, it’s best to struggle together and look at each day as the “best day ever.”
Catch The Unbreakable Boy exclusively in Ayala Malls cinemas this March 26, 2025!
More movies for families to watch?
5 Lessons Families Can Pick From Ne Zha 2
Live, Love, and Laugh When You Buy A Ticket to Paradise
10 Lessons The Boy and The Heron Teaches About Grief and Losing Loved Ones
