About the Film
On August 29, 2014, the families of the Auticenter, an association of parents with children in the autism spectrum in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, hosted an event called Autism and Arts aimed to create a local grassroots effort to educate and raise autism awareness in their city. Milena Urbanova, Director of the Auticenter, invited producer Liza Krassner from Southern California, a parent of a child with autism, to screen the award winning documentary Through the Heart of Tango as part of the event. Together they partnered with the University of South Bohemia and Tango Argentino of Ceske Budejovice, to create an all-inclusive family friendly event that was open to everyone. The event was a huge success.
This film shares the stories of Czech and American families on what it is like to live with a child with autism disorder. Their stories are told through the lens of an American team that participated as ambassadors of goodwill at the Autism and Arts event. It is a story about HELP AND HOPE.
About Autism
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Atuism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Autistic disorder or ASD is a spectrum disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, language and communication, repetitive behaviors, and obsessive interests. It is a developmental disability with symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Studies have shown that the prevalence of ASD worldwide is on the rise. In a few years, this staggering number of children being diagnosed wiht ASD worldwide will grow, and we as a society have to be prepared to deal with this population as they mature and reach adulthood.
To learn more about autism, visit some of the links below:
National Institutes of Health (NINDS): http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm
Auticenter in Ceske Budejovice: http://www.auticentrum.cz/
Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center: http://www.thecenter4autism.org/
Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/
