Bakersfield.com

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Autism Society Chapter Kern Autism Networkwill present “The Black Balloon” at the Majestic Fox Theater, 2001 "H" Street.  This film will be shown free to the public in recognition of "Autism Awareness" and the "Meet Your Special Neighbors Project of Events.”

Starring Toni Collette, “The Black Balloon” is a story about fitting in, discovering love, and accepting your family when you have a loved one with autism.  To read more about this award-winning film, please visit www.theblackballoonmovie.com.

Our guest speaker to review and discuss the movie will be Stephen Shore.  Diagnosed with "Atypical Development with strong autistic tendencies,” Dr. Shore was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization.  Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen completed his doctoral dissertation at Boston University focused on matching best practice to the needs of people on the autism spectrum.  Click here to see an abstract of the dissertation.  Recently, Dr. Shore has accepted a professorship at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism.

In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Dr. Shore presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his books Beyond the Wall:  Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and the critically acclaimed Understanding Autism for Dummies.

President emeritus of the Asperger’s Association of New England, Dr. Shore serves on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, for the Board of Directors for Autism Society of America, Unlocking Autism, MAAP, the College Internship Program, and USAAA.

The Kern Autism Network provides support, awareness, information and education to families, professionals and the public throughout Kern County.  To register for this event, please contact the Autism Society Chapter Kern Autism Network for further details at 661-588-4235 or email kernautism@gmail.com.