RECOVERED Takes Top Honors

Staten Island, New York – Recovered: Journeys Through the Autism Spectrum and Back wins Best Documentary in the 2008 Director’s Chair Island Arts Expo and Film Festival, in Staten Island, New York.

RECOVERED is a film by one of the nation’s leading autism researchers and psychologists, Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, and seasoned videographer Michele Jaquis. The film tells the story of four children diagnosed with autism, who achieved success using treatments rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

The documentary takes viewers inside of therapy sessions along with interviews of the children who are now teenagers, their parents, therapists, and Dr. Granpeesheh.

“Many people don’t believe it is possible to recover from Autism. Our intention in providing proof of Recovery and in identifying a course of action toward that goal is only to bring hope and determination to those families who feel it is in the best interest of their child to learn new skills in order to better access the rewards of life. We feel every child has the right to be healthy, to be taught the skills they need to interact appropriately with their peers and to be allowed to demonstrate their strengths, instead of fight their weaknesses. We feel confident we have found the path to make this a reality.” Says Dr. Granpeesheh.

The combined stories families of Nick, Janna, Brett, and Ruffin illuminate both their struggles and triumphs while providing hope to families of newly diagnosed children that recovery is indeed possible.

“It is also our intention to bring awareness of this fact to the general population, medical practitioners and government funding agencies so that the needed support for the treatments of
Autism becomes a priority. As an artist I am interested in producing work that engages its audience on an emotional level and sometimes that means delving into difficult subject matter. It is challenging to go back and relive a part of one's life that was difficult, and Doreen and I asked these families to do that. It is my hope that the families who are featured in RECOVERED have found their involvement to be both cathartic and rewarding.” Says Michele Jaquis, Director,
Videographer/Editor.

RECOVERED was released in April 2008, by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. The film has been introduced in nearly 20 cities across America. Critics call the documentary …”eye
opening”…”candid”…”inspirational”…and “informative.” The celebrated, original documentary.For more information about RECOVERED, visit: http://www.recoveredautism.com/.

About Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA: Executive Director/Producer, RECOVERED
Dr. Granpeesheh is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc., and has dedicated over 30 years to the study and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Dr. Granpeesheh earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from UCLA under the guidance of Dr. Ivar Lovaas. She is a licensed psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

A highly recognized psychologist in the field of autism, Dr. Granpeesheh recently earned one of the Autism Society of America’s highest honors – the Wendy F. Miller National Recognition Award for Professional of the Year (2007).The award recognizes significant contributions made by a psychologist, psychiatrist, physician, and other professionals in the autism field. That same year, Dr. Granpeesheh was elected to the Autism Society of America (ASA) Board of Directors. She also serves on the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Executive Council and the US Autism and Aspergers Association (USAAA) Scientific Advisory Board.

About Michele Jaquis: Director/Videographer/Editor, RECOVERED
Michele Jaquis is an interdisciplinary artist and educator, with over 10 years experience working within the field of Autism, first as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist and most recently as a videographer and editor for the Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Jaquis earned her BFA in sculpture and experimental studio with a minor in psychology from Hartford Art School/University of Hartford and her MFA in sculpture from Rhode Island School of Design. She is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator for the Artists, Community and Teaching Program at Otis
College of Art and Design, where she developed and teaches an Integrated Learning course called "Creative Solutions to Living Through Autism." Jaquis is also the co-founder of Rise Industries: Interdisciplinary Projects. Her installations, performances, videos and digital prints have been exhibited across the U.S.

About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc:
The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) was established in 1990 and is headquartered in Tarzana, California. CARD is among the world's largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with autism and related disorders, operating 18 satellite offices throughout the United States and abroad. CARD has treated thousands of children around the world. Its services include assessments, supervision, parent/teacher training, and one-to-one therapy.

About the Director’s Chair Island Arts Expo and Film Festival:
The 2008 Director’s Chair TV Island Arts Expo strives to applaud the independent filmmakers, photographers, musicians and artists of Staten Island. This is the festivals third year.