Combating Autism From Within

The series, Combating Autism From Within starts on December 3, 2007 at KOMU TV 8 in Columbia, Missouri. This series is based on investigative reporting through the blog that was set up for obtaining ideas, thoughts and concerns on the topic of autism.

Ashley Reynolds, the reporter for this story, took a different approach for this series and reached out to the autism community so the station could find out what the media misses when they cover autism spectrum disorders. The blog was used as a free flow of information. Ashley could be found visiting the autism groups on CafeMom, the message board at Autism Speaks, autismlist at yahoo groups, Mom Against Mercury and Autism-PDD forums.

"I did a story back in July about Autism. Through the huge response I received, we have decided a series is needed. We have a team for the series to make sure we do our best to cover this passionate topic."

People were encouraged to become regular bloggers. "Our goal with the series is to inform the public about the spectrum...you tell us what you think we should cover!"

At the blog you will find postings about Low Functioning Autism, what the public needs to know about autism and autism video

The crew went to Kansas to document a family and learned why families move to get better services and even filmed the young teen the folowing day getting blood drawn at a Doctor's appointment. Based on this visit, crew member Mark Kelly shared the following insightful comment on the blog:

"My hope for this portion of our series is that our viewers develop an understanding for the unique bond that a mother shares with her son; most importantly, I hope they see how fragile that bond is when the son has autism."

The goal for the series is to inform the public about autism spectrum disorders with the blog connecting to the stories for the series on the station's website.

They have covered a wide range of therapies from chelation to mainstream therapies talking to Doctors about various treatments. The blog also has a YouTube video of the day. Comments can be posted at the blog as well. Their trips are well documented with slide shows. It is refreshing to see how this series has developed and will be worthwhile to view.

The series begins December 3, 2007 and goes for three weeks. There is a total of thirteen stories, five families that cover all age groups, including an adult on the autism spectrum. The crew also traveled to Kentucky and Illinois. Feedback can still be shared at the blog and follow the directions on how to contact Ashley Reynolds.

Series Promo

https://combatingautismfromwithin.blogspot.com

Educational Autism Tips for Families 71 page resourceful ebook for families entering the school system with a recent autism diagnosis. Find out what issues take place over the course of a school day and meet these challenges head on.