On October 1st Discovery Health channel will be showing our family story... again. During this past year it's been aired about 8 - 12 dates that we know of. It was shown in Australia and in England as well. Discovery Health did not tell us about the Australia showing (they don't have to). We found out from a number of emails from some new Aussie friends.
The show in England had a bit of lead up advertising and media attention. Robin was interviewed by a woman's magazine, we asked for a copy like we always have done with the other media, but we didn't get it. The most amazing thing for us was that we did not get a single response to the documentary from anyone in England. Maybe something was lost in the translation. Not sure.
We've had all the range of responses as you might expect. People wondering how we do it, other wondering WHY we did it. We received email from well wishers and others calling us the foulest names possible. Some have told us we deserve a Extreme Home Makeover show, and others said we don't know how to clean up a home. We've been accused of using our kids for financial gain, but the truth is we are worse off financially then a year ago -- just like the rest of the country.
But we are glad that the show was made and the other documentary, Keys to Unlocking Autism, that we were a part of. Awareness is the key and the beginning steps to making the life's of persons with Autism better. But even though the term 'Czar' is getting a bad rap lately -- we need one. An Autism Czar to coordinate the efforts correctly, as much as possible.
We call ourselves 'Autistic Parents', other parents know what we mean. Some goofs have thought we were saying we are Autistic too. We know how to handle the joys as well as the crap, literally, being parents to six children with Autism. And we're still plugging away a year later.
Dad
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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7 comments:
Do any of your shows air in Canada? I would love to see them. Sometimes I wonder how I do it with 2 kids on the spectrum never mind 6. I know why we all do it though, its because they are our kids and we love them.
Awesome! I always watch even though I've seen it many times. You guys rock! Truly inspiring. It gives me hope that if you can manage with six, I can do it with one.
I saw the show back in March and was hoping for another show to see how things have progressed. My son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS this past January and your show helped my husband and I tremendously. I am amazed at how well you deal with all your kids when I struggle with 1.
I happened upon your show last night when I was flipping channels and watched the whole thing. I think both you and Robin are wonderful parents. I learned a lot about autism that I didn't know and I really appreciated that the entire Kirton family was willing to share your story. Thank you.
I teach in an Autism classroom and heard about your show, but I missed it. Any idea when I might be able to catch it?
Kelly,
As far as future air dates you would need to check the Discovery Health website every few weeks. There is supposed to be an email notice list you can put yourself on. We've never used it ourselves so I'm not sure exactly how it works. Thanks for your support and good luck!
I have just finished watching your doco and have to say what beautiful and special children you have. You are both amazing parents and should be very proud of both yourselves and the accomplishments all of your children have made in their lifetime. Onward and upward to a bright future. Thank you for sharing your story.
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