Autistic like and World Autism Awareness Day: Autistic Like: Graham’s Story

Last year, I had Erik and Jeanie on my radio show to talk about their journey through getting the medical diagnosis for their son, Graham.

Autism Like; Graham’s Story Interview with Erik Linthorst

So many of their son’s behaviors are like my own daughter’s behaviors and we have struggled to put a definite name to her disorders. Grahams story outlines Autism and Autistic Like symptoms that are not firmly in the realm of Autism.  I wanted to share a note from Erik to me about World Autism Awareness Day and give everyone a link to listen in to our recorded interview.

Dear Jenn,
 
Next Friday, April 2, is World Autism Awareness Day. To me, it seems like the
perfect day to remind parents: It’s Not Always Autism. Your radio program
is an important grassroots source of information, inspiration and comfort for
parents trying to help their children. Thank you for telling your own stories,
and spreading the word about Autistic Like: Graham’s Story.

Every week I get email and traffic from your website, so I thought I
would send this update about our year with Graham, the issues and the
movie- -I hope you will pass it along, post this note or give me a call to
get some info for a fresh post on April 2.
 
THE MINI SEQUEL IS COMING!  Please check our website www.autisticlike.com
 this summer, when I plan to post a short movie showing Graham’s progress
over the past couple of years.  Many moms, dads and professionals write to
ask how Graham is doing, so I wanted to let you see for yourself!
 
THE ISSUES ARE ADVANCING  The push to have Sensory Processing Disorder
Recognized in the DSM-5 is moving forward. An interesting development:
While Asperger’s Syndrome will likely be folded into the Autism diagnosis,
there is still a chance that SPD will be defined discretely, which could help
many families get coverage for therapy.  You can add your voice at
spdfoundation.net/dsmvcomments.html
 
AUTISTIC-LIKE:GRAHAM’S STORY has had a wonderful year screening
around the world. The film has won two awards, was selected for nine
film festivals and has been seen by audiences on every continent in over
125 venues! I have traveled with the film to an international child welfare
conference in Ireland and later this month I will present the film to a University
in Monterrey, Mexico. Every week I hear from parents and professionals who
screen the film in schools, clinics, teleconferences and homes.  Later this
year I will present the film to special educators in Alberta, Canada and I
continue to travel all around the US to professional conferences and parent
gatherings, screening the movie and talking with people about the issues.
We are still searching for a broadcast outlet and talking with distributors and
welcome any ideas you have for getting on your local PBS stations. Thanks to
Bahamian Television for being our first broadcast!
 
Again, many, many thanks to you for your support of the film and the many good
wishes sent to me, Graham and Jennie. Here’s to another year of making a difference
for kids who are Autistic-Like. Please stay in touch.
 
Erik