Documentary Follows Minnesota Family’s Journey with Autism

White Bear Lake, MN, April 14, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Joe and Tahni Cullen of Hugo, MN found out last year that their son Josiah was among the 1 in 150 children diagnosed with autism in the nation. This troubling diagnosis can blindside parents. Many children meet their milestones, and then in the second or third year of life begin to mysteriously regress. They often experience speech and other developmental delays, and exhibit odd behaviors.

Josiah, now 3, is the subject of a new documentary called “Surprised by Autism” that was produced by Joe for the Government Television Network, Channel 16 in White Bear Lake.

“Surprised by Autism” follows the journey of the Cullen family as they learn about Josiah’s autism and various ways to treat this whole-body disorder. Interviews in the documentary include professionals in the metro area who offer educational, psychological, dietary or biomedical approaches to tackling autism.

“As a parent, you can feel so overwhelmed and hopeless by this diagnosis,” Josiah’s mother, Tahni, said. “You hear statements like ‘cause unknown, cure unknown, lifelong, and pervasive’ and your heart sinks. We were determined to pursue a more hopeful outcome. But this information is not always readily available.”

Bringing resources and awareness to the forefront was the motivation behind creating the documentary. Autism is now the leading and fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Autism is surrounded in controversy as professionals and parents debate whether its consistent statistical rise is due to genetics, environmental factors, or both.

April is National Autism Awareness month and “Surprised by Autism” will air several times throughout the month on cable channels across the country. The show is also viewable on YouTube by searching for "Surprised by Autism."

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