Oskar Communication Disorder

One individual reaction to Oskar’s communication disorder is one that not only defines the film, but ultimately redefines the proper response to individuals with ASD. This reaction is the individual reaction of Oskar’s father, Thomas. Thomas’ reaction to Oskar is found within the precious and unique relationship that he shares with his son. Not only does he acknowledge Oskar’s high intelligence and love for adventure and creativity, but he also meets Oskar’s needs in a way that no other individual does; he treats him as an individual and a son who is worthy of love and respect. Not only does Thomas interact with Oskar by playing specific roles to engage with him through their various made up games, but he also engages in meaningful conversations

Since she is grieving herself and falling into her own depression, she often neglects her responsibilities as a parent or gives up easily after Oskar pushes her away. Oskar notices his mother’s grief and reclusiveness, even calling her an “absentia” or an absent parent (Daldry 2011). Later in the film, Oskar’s mother explains the distance she placed between herself and her son by saying, “I knew you had to make sense of things” (Daldry 2001). But for Oskar’s case, this was not an appropriate response, as seen in his increase in self-harm mechanisms and obsessive

Therefore, without this reminder, Oskar spirals out of control. That is until he reconnects with his Grandfather. Oskar’s Grandfather not only struggles with a communication disorder himself as previously mentioned, but is also speaks truth to Oskar and inspires him like Thomas. Though he could not speak, the Grandfather’s voice of reason was the loudest and most powerful voice that Oskar could have heard as he reminded Oskar of his father, both outwardly and inwardly. Not only did he shrug his shoulders like Oskar’s father, but he spoke to, or in this case wrote, in a manner that was not derisive. Instead, it was constructive and forward in a loving manner, such as when he told Oskar to face his fears or tried to calm him down if he would become emotionally instable or obsessive. Based on this relationship and its familiar mannerisms, Oskar becomes very close to his Grandfather. Therefore, it becomes evident that Oskar is not simply looking for a remembrance of his father. He is searching for a connection. For a companion. For someone to love and accept him like his father