Springfield College Sensory Showtime to Feature ‘Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story’ Film on Sensory Processing Disorder
October 7, 2009SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Oct. 7, 2009 – “Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story,” a film about one father’s quest to answer the question, “When it’s not autism, what is it?,” will be shown on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m., in Springfield College’s Appleton Auditorium of the Fuller Arts Center.
The screening will be one of nearly 100 Sensory Showtimes being held on every continent and in about 75 U.S. cities in October, organized by the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. The film addresses Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a brain condition that affects more children than autism or attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), but is much less known, a situation that leads to the misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment of untold numbers of children every year.
According to Springfield College Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Ellen Rainville, O.T.D., “The latest research indicates that one in six children has sensory symptoms significant enough to hurt their social, emotional, and academic development. We know countless families in our area are struggling because of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed sensory issues. Sensory Showtime is designed to give them help and hope.” Local cosponsor of the Sensory Showtime is the Springfield College Occupational Therapy Department.
Additional information about SPD will be available at the event, which will also feature a book and bake sale with proceeds benefitting the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, a worldwide charity dedicated to SPD research, education, and advocacy. Admission to Sensory Showtime is free of charge, but the sponsors suggest a $5 donation.
“Autistic-Like” has screened at eight film festivals this year and been featured in segments on the Documentary Channel and Good Morning America/Health. Filmmaker Erik Linthorst, who is the father of Graham, was an invited presenter at the World Forum Foundation’s 2009 international conference for child welfare advocates, and will present the film at the Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation’s annual conference in Chicago on October 9-10.
Additional information on the Sensory Showtime at Springfield College is available from Rainville at 413-748-3581 or erainvil@spfldcol.edu. Information about SPD is available at www.SPDFoundation.net, and information about “Autistic-Like” is available at www.autisticlike.com.
