Free documentary screening to shed light on autism

Published on 24 April 2017

Mildura Rural City Council has teamed up with the Sunraysia Autism Spectrum Support Group (SASSG) to present a special free documentary screening in Mildura this Thursday to increase awareness about autism.

Life Animated is based on the best-selling book by Ron Suskind, whose son Owen was unable to speak as a child until, through repeated viewings of Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King, was able to use these and other stories to understand social cues and reconnect with the world around him.

Now a multiple award-winning film, Life Animated will be screened at the Church of Christ, on the corner of Tenth Street and Deakin Avenue, this Thursday. Doors open at 5.45pm, with the film to start at 6.30pm.

Presented by Council and the SASSP, the free screening is aimed at providing Sunraysia residents with an insight into what autism is through the struggles, milestones and achievements of Owen Suskind’s journey with autism.

Councillor for Community Development Min Poole encouraged Sunraysia residents to take advantage of the free screening.

“Given there are a growing number of children and young people in our region with autism, this is a valuable opportunity to learn more from the real-life experiences of a family who have faced these challenges,” Cr Poole said.

“It may also help provide answers for those families experiencing difficulties with their son or daughter.”

To make an online booking for this Thursday’s screening visit //bit.ly/2oCDA8e

Refreshments and snacks can be purchased on the night in the main foyer. Wheelchair access will be available.

For more information visit Council’s Rural Access Worker on (03) 5018 8100

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au