Contact: Mark Schmidt (TAP)
Phone: 217-588-
Cell: 217-306-
E-Mail: mschmidt@
The Hope Institute for Children and Families and The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) endorse HBO Films’ “Temple Grandin” – will make experts available for news media comment
CHICAGO – The Hope Institute for Children and Families and The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) have endorsed the new HBO Films production “Temple Grandin”, which debuts on cable television on Saturday, February 6, 2010.
Starring Golden Globe winner Claire Danes in the title role, “Temple Grandin” depicts the life of the best-selling author, animal scientist and autism advocate of the same name. The film paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when the disorder was quite unknown.
The Hope Institute for Children and Families is a nonprofit organization providing residential, educational and health care services to children with multiple disabilities, the vast majority with an autism spectrum disorder. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) is the nation’s largest statewide autism services network, with 12 community-based centers across the state of Illinois. The organizations partnered with HBO on the Chicago premiere of the 108 minute film on January 27, 2010.
“We salute our colleague Temple Grandin for partnering with HBO to share her intimate and powerful story” said Dr. Joseph E. Nyre, President and CEO of The Hope Institute for Children and Families. “The film accurately captures the dramatic advancements in the field since Dr. Grandin was first diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the 1950s.”
The film chronicles Dr. Grandin’s early diagnosis, her turbulent growth and development during her school years, and the enduring support she received from her mother, her aunt, and her science teacher. Undaunted by educational, social and professional roadblocks, she emerges as a woman with an innate sensitivity and understanding of animal behavior who revolutionized the cattle industry and because an inspiration to persons with autism everywhere.
Georgia Winson, Chief of The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) said that the film provides “an incredible wealth of insight into the common, yet complex features and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, and the high level of individual differences that can be found from one patient to the next.”
“This important film also dramatically captures the critical role that parents, family members and educators can make in the life of a person with autism,” Dr. Nyre continued. “Those important in the lives of persons with autism can help to diagnose, teach and advocate for better services and outcomes for their friends and family members. For this reason and many more, we offer our full endorsement of this film and believe it will serve an awareness and education function for many years to come.”
Dr. Nyre and Ms. Winson will be available to news media representatives seeking comment regarding the film prior to and after its on-air debut. Media representatives seeking to schedule an interview should contact Mark Schmidt at 217-588-7660.
Debuting at 8:00 p.m. ET February 6 on HBO, other showtimes for the film include: February 6 (11:45 p.m.), 7 (5:45 p.m.), 10 (11:30 a.m., 8:00 p.m.), 14 (10:30 a.m., 12:30 a.m.), 18 (9:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.), 20 (2:00 p.m.), 22 (3:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), and 27 (noon). All times are ET/PT.
