Autistic Like: Graham’s Story
We are  pleased to be able to share some great news about this documentary! Alex Doman and Graham’s father Erik Linthorst were both presenters at an SPD Conference in Monterrey, Mexico in May, 2010. Alex was able to view this film at that time, and highly recommends seeing it, no matter what your depth of knowledge and experience with autism and sensory processing disorder might be. Erik chronicles the struggles he and his wife had in their search for the correct diagnosis and the best treatments for their son Graham. One of our ABT providers, DanaKae Bonahom, has worked with Graham and is featured in the film as well.

This heartwarming story is now a multi award winner that will be aired nationwide for the first times on PBS this month. Please visit http://www.autisticlike.com to see the PBS airing schedule, to order DVDs and learn more.

Wretches and Jabberers
We have not had an opportunity to view this new documentary, but thought it important to mention, as it is due to be released this month. This is a film about two adult  friends, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette, who are on the spectrum and  their journey around the world to advocate for autism rights.  They call themselves the Wretches, who do much of their communicating by typing on keyboards, and most of the people they meet are called the Jabberers, who communicate through speech. Tracy describes themselves as “Comedic astronauts, with a hero’s aura, about presenting a new face for autism.” The director, Gerry Wurzberg has mentioned that the film is particularly valuable for the general audience, and will  really challenge their perception of those who are differently abled. You can find more information, see the trailer and read Tracy’s and Larry’s blogs at http://www.wretchesandjabberers.org/. AMC theaters will be offering sensory friendly screening times during April.

American Idol Season 10 - James Durbin
American Idol has a real contender in this twenty one year old dad from Santa Cruz, CA. Have you seen any of his performances? He’s made it to the top 9 as of April 5, 2011.  His kind of music may not be your taste at all; he is a rocker through and through. There’s something else you may want to know about James.  He lost his musician father when he was nine, he and his sisters were raised by his single mom and he was also diagnosed with both Asperger’s and Tourette’s syndrome. We wish there had been a way to have you watch at least one of his videos without divulging that information, but it is discussed on every website we looked at. Please do watch and listen, he is a truly talented young man and we hope he will  go far with his music. http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season_10/james_durbin/