'The Autism Enigma' - Four Corners. ABC TV.

Did you catch the 'Four Corners' episode tonight titled 'The Autism Enigma'?

Here is the i/view link: http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/series/four%20corners

It is live for two weeks from today's date.

Here is a blurb on the show:

Four Corners presents "The Autism Enigma". Filmed in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada the program looks at a controversial theory examining the possible links between harmful bacteria in a child's gut and ASD.

"The Autism Enigma" follows the work of an international group of scientists researching the human intestine and the clues their work might hold for treating and perhaps preventing this baffling disorder.

The film features the stories of two mothers with autistic sons. One, a Somali immigrant called Adar, has been working with scientists who are exploring why autism is more prevalent in her immigrant community. The other is Ellen Bolte, from Chicago, who began her own investigation to see if she could help her son who'd been diagnosed with autism. Using home videos she shares the story of her search for answers and the treatment she believes has given her son an opportunity to learn language, play and become more socially interactive.

"The Autism Enigma", produced by Christopher Sumpton, Robin Benger and Marion Gruner and presented by Kerry O'Brien, goes to air on Monday 27th August at 8.30pm on ABC1. It is replayed on Tuesday 28th August at 11.35pm. The program can also be seen on ABC News 24 on Saturday at 8.00pm, on ABC iviewand at abc.net.au/4corners.

For more, see: http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/08/23/3574441.htm

'Temple Grandin': closing scene. Tears - and hope.

I have been 'dying' to post this clip, from the movie 'Temple Grandin'.

I have been waiting for the right time. When my son graduates from pre-school? Or kindy, or... I don't know Year 6... or perhaps high school or university?

Turns out there is no right time. It's now.

Because with each and every Occupational Therapy session [every fortnight], and every weekly playgroup at Learning Links, and several hour-long meetings each month about setting new goals for Rafael, I realise we are inching closer to a day when Raf will stand up and declare himself like this. I don't know how he will do it, I don't know what it'll look like, but I do know one thing: I will be as moved as Julia Ormond [playing Temple Grandin's mother] is:

Watch the clip and you will see why it moves me - no, makes me shed floods of tears - each and every time.

CLICK ON THIS LINK HERE TO WATCH THE ENTIRE CLOSING SCENE.

'What Are You Doing?' A film about autism. This is MUST-WATCH

With news just in that the powerful documentary film 'What Are You Doing?' was yesterday distributed to over 10,000 schools [all primary, secondary, state, and independent schools] across Australia, THIS trailer is powerful viewing.

MUST-WATCH:

The people behind the film say:

We are so proud and happy to announce that our documentary film, "What are you doing?" was yesterday distributed to over 10 000 schools across Australia. All primary, secondary, state and independent schools have received a copy of the film, along with accompanying teaching materials. We thank the Australian Federal Government for their support in distributing the film.

So contact your local school, let them know how important the film is to your school community and encourage them to show it as widely as possible. More awareness simply means children on the spectrum will be better understood.

Whilst the film was made for children, we suspect a few adults within the school system will learn something from it as well!

The film will be available for sale to the general public next month. We hope to have the film available for international sale later this year.

http://www.whatareyoudoingfilm.com/

Life-changing for the autism community, I say. It all starts at grass-roots level.