Have You Met the Voices in Your Head?

Mikal Britt, Behaviorist 10+ years

I don’t normally write about or promote movies, but Pixar’s new Inside Out is a MUST SEE. I find it very honorable of these filmmakers to make a psychological movie for kids. Yes, it is also fascinating and entertaining for adults. But it’s ability to tell a story while also explaining the why and how the human brain and emotions work is truly a feat to behold.

I think especially for children on the spectrum, this film cleverly explains theory of mind, reminding us that everyone’s mind is different from our own. It not only explains and shows the way different emotions interact, it also personifies each important emotion. This can help kids more clearly understand what they might be feeling in a given moment.

The movie also deeply explores memories and how memories can craft our personalities. It shows the way our present behavior can be linked to a feeling from a past experience.

Inside Out also shows how every emotion is important to creating the whole picture. Sadness is no less important than Joy. In fact, Sadness is integral to Joy existing, even though Joy seems to be the desired default.

The film gives a very visual explanation of how complex and deep the mind can be. It shows the mind as a place that can be explored. The film even delves into the subconscious and abstract thought.

By chance, an old teacher whose classroom I once worked in, told me that the parent of one of her students wrote the script. This teacher is a special day teacher, so I am guessing the screenwriter understood disability and delays, and knew that a fun movie that could also teach about human psychology could be helpful in more ways than one.

So if you haven’t already seen in, go see it ASAP! Afterwards, discuss the film with your child, examine it, ask questions. Then go see it again.