The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 110 children are on the autism spectrum. These numbers are both staggering and alarming.
Due to the pervasiveness of autism spectrum disorders, awareness is rising rapidly with media playing a significant role in this awareness. In recent years, there have been many wonderful films portraying the life of those affected by autism. Although every child with autism is unique and has a different story to tell, it is because of such films that many people’s eyes are opened to autism for the very first time. Films like Adam, Temple Grandin and Wretches and Jabberers have captured hearts across America. There is now much anticipation for the upcoming documentary titled The United States of Autism, which is sure to resonate with families across the country affected by the disorder.
This project all began with the vision of one father on a mission to create a voice for the autism community across America. Richard Everts is the father of a child with autism and the founder of The Tommy Foundation, an award winning non-profit organization that works with families affected by autism in the Northeast. With support from The Tommy Foundation team and a grant awarded by the Pepsi Refresh Project, filming was a success! On April 2, 2011, in honor of Autism Awareness month, a glimpse of this success was shared with the world through the movie trailer.
At Child and Family Development, we eagerly await the release of this film. Each day, we have the opportunity to provide therapy services to children with autism spectrum disorders and numerous other developmental disabilities. We are continually inspired by our families here in Charlotte, NC and know that we (and you) will now be inspired by families across the United States!While there have been many great films that depict the lives of individuals affected by autism, The United States of Autism is expected to take this portrayal to the next level.
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