This sensitive film takes a comprehensive view of autism by focusing on three children of different ages, with very different behavior patterns. It also introduces us to a remarkable group of parents, teachers and therapists who strive to maximize the potential of these children. Debbie, a beautiful four-year-old, has cut herself off from the world around her. She will not allow eye contact with other people and has fierce temper tantrums. To calm her, her mother uses the "holding technique." Ned, a six year old, has poor speech, and exhibits rigid behavior patterns. He is in an autistic unit at a nearby school where he shares play time and music classes with "normal" children. This experience has allowed him to develop social skills. Lee, now eighteen, was thought to be retarded until diagnosed as autistic. He displays one of autism s most typical features - an obsession with trivial objects. His school is preparing him to live independently. It is evident that all these children have made progress through the diligent efforts of those around them.