I've seen this film three times before today and the thing that I question every time I see it is 'How accurate is DiCaprio's portrayal of someone with autism or Asperger's syndrome?' I want to know what you think of autism's representation in the film as well as any others that showcase the lives of those with autism and the impact they had on others like Gilbert and Arnie.
shareI don't think he was autistic but mentally retarded. My nephew is autistic, he's highly intelligent and organized but nonverbal.
Thank you for answering my message. But evidence suggests that Arnie may have been autistic (http://www.mibba.com/Articles/Health/6004/Whats-Eating-Arnie-Grape-An-Evaluation-on-Arnie-Grapes-Cognitive-Development/); this link should hopefully explain what I mean. While Arnie may have acted mentally retarded, the director, screenwriters and actors from the film confirmed that Arnie was somewhere on the autistic spectrum, depending on where he is in comparison to your nephew, Arnie may have exhibited different ways of being autistic. Thank you again for your time.
shareSorry but this is the writing of some dolts that want to diagnose characters they like with autism for an agenda, not because of any reality. I've had the misfortune of being around various autistic kids and they are not like Arnie was. Arnie was retarded not autistic.
shareMost likely, Arnie has Angelman syndrome, one type of intellectual disability/mental retardation. His constant laughter, usual happiness, awkward gait and tics make it a pretty sure bet.
Arnie wasn't autistic. He may have come across as autistic because they didn't know how to portray a mentally challenged individual correctly.
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