Maria The Tutor

Cries from the Heart (also known as Touch of Truth)

Cries from the Heart (also known as Touch of Truth) is a 1994 American made-for-television drama film directed by Michael Switzer and starring Patty Duke and Melissa Gilbert,

Karen Barth (Gilbert) is the divorced mother of Michael (Pierce), a 7-year-old young autistic boy who is unable to speak or write. After an incident in which Michael wanders away from home to the local playground, Karen's ex-husband Roger realizes that Michael may need more specialized care than she can provide, and suggests Michael be enrolled in a special residential school.

Reluctant to do so, Karen nonetheless agrees to visit the campus, where she meets with therapist Terry Wilson (Duke), who explains just how the program will be able to help Michael, which finally convinces Karen to enroll him, although she is put off by the school's requirement that she not visit for 6 weeks. Initially clashing with Terry's approach, Karen grudgingly comes to realize that the separation period is necessary for adjustment and takes a job at a local greenhouse. Meanwhile, Michael begins gradually making progress, learning such basics as tying his shoes, in addition to such chores as making his bed and helping prepare meals in the cottage he shares with his caretaker, Jeff.

Eventually, Terry suggests to Jeff and school head Eliot that they try a form of facilitated communication: having Michael type his thoughts on a computer keyboard, with Terry guiding his hand. Eliot is reluctant, but Jeff is outright dismissive, claiming Michael's "not that bright" and "can't even spell." However, Eliot finally agrees to give Terry a one-month trial period with Michael (and only Michael) to see if it works.

Please view for credit scenes:

Michael has difficulties with communicating appropriately and following through with requests: Michael displays no social-emotional communication early on in the movie as seen when Michael gets to the facility (07:29-08:01) He's introduced to his teacher who is also his communication therapist he demonstrates the lack of ability to communicate back and forth or to initiate a conversation

Michael lacked verbal and nonverbal communication skills when interacting with his parents and other individuals: (02:50-02:53) Michael is seen walking to the park and displaying interest in the sky, is seen walking into the streets, and is almost hit by a car. He shows no emotional response to the driver’s question “Hey kid what are you doing?” and did not make eye contact, and had deficits in imitation and fine motor skills

Michael lacked affection toward either of his parents while interacting with them, once they found him in the park (03.44-04:24) and also showed no eye contact

Michael exhibits excessive tantrums on several different occasions when he decided to grab his therapist by the hair (08:32-08:55) also when started to through tantrums when he became frustrated while working with his therapist (17:57-19:47)

Michael is excessively interested in magazines and a deck of cards exhibits inappropriate toy use such as trying to throw or bounce stationary objects: Michael shows frustration by throwing objects (14:36-14:49)

Michael has a very predictable daily routine: He stays at home with his mother and watches an excessive amount of television, mom states that he usually watches the credits at the end of the show (09:49-09:51) Mom also states that Michael prefers snacks most of the time and is the only way to get his attention. has a fixated interest/ strong attachment to hand cards and magazines for several minutes at a time, (05:49-06:04) demonstrates hand flapping throughout the entire movie it starts in the beginning as he walks out of the door he’s seen looking into the sky and decides to tap on the sofa, television as well as the door including hitting his-self in the face (01:21-01:59)

Michael for several minutes at a time excessive hand flapping (00.38-00:44)

(11:19) Karen Michael’s mom stated that he started showing signs and was diagnosed at 2 y/o with autism. Karen also states (10:41-10:47) that Michael is currently in special education at his local school and finally later on the school admitted that they could no longer do anything more for Michael

(19:47-19:57) Michael has excessive tantrums, experiences distress when daily routines are changed, and is non-verbal, according to Michael’s therapist she asks that mom comply with the facility rules and stay away from the facility for 6 weeks, Therapist states to mom that every time she shows up Michael’s behavior changes and he becomes belligerent and uncooperative