The Nature of Things with David Suzuki is presenting a
documentary "The Autism Enigma" on December 8th. I am hoping you can send
your list some information so that no one misses out of seeing this. I
appreciate your help spreading the word!

Below is the official press release.

Media contact: Cynthia Amsden: roundstone@gmail.com 416-910-7740

THE AUTISM ENIGMA,
THE STARTLING NEW DOCUMENTARY FROM COGENT/BENGER,
AIRS ON CBC's "THE NATURE OF THINGS"
THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 8 PM ET/PT.

Available for phoners: Marion Gruner, Dr. Derrick MacFabe of University of
Western Ontario, Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, Microbiologist at University of
Guelph.

Screeners available on request.

TORONTO November 7, 2011. THE AUTISM ENIGMA, the new documentary from the
award-winning Cogent/Benger Productions, tackles one of the most contentious
issues in medicine today: the various, and often conflicting, hypotheses
about autism's cause. It airs on CBC's "The Nature of Things" on Thursday
December 8, 8 PM (ET/PT)(8:30 PM Nfld) with a second window on December 15
(10PM ET/PT. 10:30 Nfld.)

The film presents the fresh perspective of the "Bacterial Theory" of autism.
Director Marion Gruner (a new mother who decided to investigate autism
rather than just worry) along with co-director Christopher Sumpton, went
beyond celebrity-endorsed theories and common assumptions to make new
research accessible and understandable to all parents.

Narrated by David Suzuki, The Autism Enigma is written and directed by
Marion Gruner (Pharma Sutra) and Christopher Sumpton (Pedal Power), produced
by Christopher Sumpton, Robin Benger (Sex Scandals in Religion, Five Roads
to Freedom), and Marion Gruner. Cinematography by Michael Grippo, csc,
editing by Matthew Campea, and original music composed by Kevan Staples.

Autism is the fastest rising developmental disorder in the industrialized
world. Even accounting for better diagnosis, its numbers have increased by
an astounding 600% in the last twenty years. Even more disturbing is that
science cannot say why. Research is inconclusive, but the emerging theme is
that autism, while possibly stemming from genetic vulnerability, is
triggered by environmental factors. Is something in our Western lifestyle
proving too much for children to bear? Some say it's the canary in the
coalmine. Many say it's an emergency.
  
Meanwhile, 70% of children with autism exhibit severe gastrointestinal
symptoms, prompting some microbiologists to direct their research to an
unexpected place - and ask whether autism actually begins in the gut.  

The Autism Enigma looks at the progress of an international group of
scientists examining the gut's amazingly diverse and powerful microbial
ecosystem for clues to the baffling disorder, and the extraordinary efforts
of parents who have been relentlessly pushing science forward in hopes of
finding answers for their children's condition. 

The documentary features: Laurie Mawlam, Executive Director of Autism
Canada, Dr. Derrick MacFabe of University of Western Ontario, Adar Hassan
and Idman Roble of the Somali Parent Support Group, Toronto, Dr. Emma
Allen-Vercoe, Microbiologist at University of Guelph, and some children and
child care workers from Puzzle Pieces Ltd.