Parents of children who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum might want to watch a television series that is currently running on PBS. It’s called “Autism Now”, and it is being presented as a series of special reports regarding autism. These reports are located on television, as well as online.
The series “Autism Now” is part of the PBS NewsHour. It is hosted by former anchor Robert MacNeil, who returned to the NewsHour because the topic, autism, is one that resonates deeply with him and with his family. Robert MacNeil has a six year old grandson named Nick, who has autism. The series is produced Caren Zucker. She has produced several stories about autism, and has a sixteen year old son who has autism. It certainly sounds as though these two people are uniquely qualified to create a series that discusses and describes autism.
“Autism Now” is a six part series. PBS is trying something brand new in how this series will be aired. Each report is going to be available online a day before it actually airs on the NewsHour television show. By day, it seems that they mean weekday, and not weekend. Part One appeared online on Friday, April 15, 2011, and will not air on television until Monday, April 18, 2011. Part Two will be made available online on Monday, April 18, 2011, and will not appear on television until Tuesday, April 19, 2011.
Part One is an introduction to the series. Viewers come with Robert MacNeil as he visits with his daughter and with grandson, Nick, who has autism. The title of Part One describes autism as “a whole- body experience”, and shows how autism can affect a whole family. Part Two asks a question. Why are the numbers of children who are diagnosed with autism increasing? It asks experts for the answer, and describes the wide range of behaviors that comprise the autism spectrum. Part Three, will be available online on April 19, 2011, and on-air on April 20, 2011. Part Three delves into the causes of autism.
Part Four focuses on treatment for autism, and how that is done in schools. You can watch Part Four online on April 20, 2011, and on-air on April 21, 2011. Part Five, which will be online on April 21, 2011, and on-air April, 22, 2011, will focus on adults who have autism, with a look at the lack of services for adults who are on the autism spectrum. Part Six, the final part of the series will be online April 22, 2011, and on-air April 25, 2011. It will discuss public policy that relates to autism.
Image by Kansir on Flickr