Anderson Center for Autism in Partnership With NYC Off-Broadway Show 'Falling'

Dec. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Staatsburg, N.Y.  – Anderson Center for Autism’s partnership with the acclaimed Off-Broadway show “Falling” led to a special after-show audience dialogue about the dynamics and complicated reality of a family with autistic children.  The “talkback” session at New York’s Minetta Lane Theatre brought Anderson autism specialists onstage with cast members to answer audience questions. Topics included autism in the household, the emotional roller coaster of sending a child with autism to a residential program away from home and a groundbreaking New York state law requiring health-insurance providers to offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

Anderson is New York’s premier autism treatment center. “Falling” is a play about an autistic teenage young man and his family. It addresses love, hopes and dreams.  It also poignantly asks, “How do you love someone who is difficult to love?”

The 50 Anderson supporters and staff members attended the show Dec. 4 and described it as “riveting,” “moving,” “amazing” and “realistic.” One said, “For those of us who feel like we are ‘falling,’ we are blessed to be rescued by the passionate dedication of people at Anderson.”

The play is loosely based on the real-life experience of playwright Deanna Jent and how raising and caring for a child with autism touched her life and her family’s. Jent describes herself as a “journaler” who created the play based on her emotional journal entries of parenting an autistic child.

The New York Post says, “‘Falling’ soars.” Backstage calls it “a fascinating ... stellar production” and Broadway World says the drama is “one of the finest theatrical productions currently offered in New York.”

For audience members who identify with autism daily and for people associated with Anderson Center, the play proved to represent everyday life. Progress, joy and healing blended with destruction, sadness and struggle are very much the norm for individuals dealing with loved ones on the autism spectrum.

“Falling” runs eight performances a week at the Minetta Lane Theatre through Dec. 30.

Anderson Center staff members say they are very grateful for having shared this experience with fellow audience members.  The talkback session provided an opportunity to answer questions from the audience.  Sharing stories and information is an important component of Anderson’s mission.

For more information or to buy tickets to “Falling,” please visit http://www.broadway.com/shows/falling/.

For more information contact:

Brianne Radtke

Ashworth Creative, Public Relations

E-mail: brianne@ashworthcreative.com/ Phone: 845-877-0410 ext. 105

About Anderson Center for Autism

Anderson Center for Autism is New York’s premier autism treatment and care center. It is a non-profit organization located in picturesque Staatsburg, N.Y., dedicated to providing the highest quality programs possible for both children and adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. It employs more than 700 specialists who are expertly trained to diagnose, treat, and care for adults and children on the autism spectrum.

About “Falling”

Falling is a delicate one-act play that balances the real-life drama and subtle comedy of raising a disabled child. The main character, Josh, is a severely autistic 18-year-old with violent tendencies.  Deanna Jent’s play offers an honest and realistic look at the struggling but loving family. The five-person cast is led by Broadway veterans Julia Murney and Daniel Everidge, who create the play’s mother-son relationship with great sensitivity. Other cast members are Celia Howard, Daniel Pearce and Jacey Powers. The show runs through Dec. 30. Tickets are $69.50 each. Discounted group rates are available.