Provide names of other journalists involved.
Marinda Gorman-Johnson Martin Christian Jamie Judd Kevin Burke
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
June 13.2012 June 15, 2012 June 17 2012
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Autism: Emerging from the Maze is a documentary that shows what it is like to live with autism. The producers talk to a young woman named Amanda who has been diagnosed with autism. She talks about what it was like growing up with autism and how children at school bullied her. You’ll also meet 19-year-old Alyson. Alyson is living with autism and functions at the level of about a first grader. The producers spend a day with her and see what it is like living in her world. Alyson’s family members, friends and caregivers talk about their personal journey with her, and what it’s like helping her 24 hours a day. News broke mid-production that the rate of autism cases had spiked. As we did more research, we learned that the UC Davis Mind Institute is recognized globally for its extensive research; and it is located in Sacramento.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The Internet was our prime source for research. We also used the voices of those living with autism to show people what it’s like living in their world 24 hours a day.
Explain types of human sources used.
We followed Alyson, a teenager who is living with autism for an entire day. Alyson functions at the level of a first grader. She is 19. Amanda is also featured in the program and talks about what it is like living with autism and some of the challenges she faced at school. Dr. Michael Chez specializes in treating children with autism. He talks about the latest findings. Medical experts and researchers from The UC Davis MIND Institute are included in the program. They discuss their research and how it’s being used around the world.
Results:
Feedback from schools and parents show that children are less likely to bully because of the personal stories told in this documentary. The Mind Institute was able to bring in more children because of the publicity documentary brought to Northern California. The producers were also told that calls came in from around the country because the Internet.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No Follow-up and no corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
It took weeks of research to find a family that would let their child participate in the documentary. These are very personal stories. People who are living with autism can sense if you are nervous being around them. Just be your self and talk to them just like you would talk to your best friend.