Two shows about autism on tonight (SUN 2/18/07)

First up is a segment with Leslie Stahl on 60 Minutes.  This airs Sunday night 7/6c pm on CBS.  Leslie is quoted as saying the story ended up "a cliffhanger - with a little leaning on the dark side."  One can only imagine what that means!

The autism story is slated as the second story of the show.   

In our second story, correspondent Lesley Stahl reports on another puzzle that’s stumping scientists and devastating parents: autism. With no known cause or cure for it yet, researchers are now trying to detect the earliest signs of the disorder so they can begin treatment earlier, giving parents some hope against a condition the government now says affects about one in every 150 children

Stahl's Reporter's Notebook -  http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2483412n

Over on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, airing at 8/7c pm is the O'Donnell family. 

"The only documented family in the U.S. with five autistic children will receive a much needed home. Country music star Trace Adkins performs at a benefit for the family."

http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/

Back in 2005 the O'Donnell family was on Good Morning America.  I wrote an article about the family here - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34547.asp

We have viewed and taped other autism families that received new homes on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.  It is a good way to get ideas and tips on what to do in your own home and see what technology and megabucks can buy to help families. 

Check out the website once the show has aired since they post photos and interviews with families from previous episodes. You may still find the ones from prior years listed.  This show also does air repeats later in the year - for those that miss the show or forget to tape it.

CBS might have transcripts on their website after the airing.

I am looking forward to seeing the family home and how technology plays a role in it, how they organize and structure the rooms, etc.  Feel free to share your impressions in a comment once the shows have aired and tell family members to watch too.  Call those grandparents and make sure they tape it to see how they can adapt their homes for the children with autism spectrum disorders.