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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three presents a ground-breaking series of programmes about young people with autism.

Most young adults take their freedom for granted – they can choose their friends, stay out late, learn to drive and decide what they want to do as a career. For people growing up on the autistic spectrum, life can be very different.

But what is it like to grow up living with autism? In a series of warm and insightful films, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three explores the complex lives of these young people as well as the challenges they face.

Danny Cohen, Controller ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three, says: "Thought-provoking factual programming sits at the heart of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three and I hope the diverse range of documentaries and events in the season will be insightful, challenging and inspiring."

The Autistic Me – 1 Year On (working title)

Following on from last year's acclaimed documentary, The Autistic Me, this new film catches up with Oliver, Alex and Thomas a year after director Matt Rudge first met them. For the lives of these young men on the autistic spectrum, the past 12 months has seen some dramatic changes and upheavals in all of their lives, as they continue their journey into adulthood.

Oliver, 25, has high-functioning autism and had been searching for a job. In the first programme, a temporary contract at the British Library had come to an end and he was desperate for something to do so he could have a routine and find self worth.

A year on, Oliver has moved out of home but is still desperate for work. Attending a course specifically designed to help people with autism find work, he's been attending mock interviews and has work experience at a supermarket. But, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of British history, is stacking shelves really all he can get?

Tom, 16, has Autistic Spectrum Disorder. His frustration with a lack of independence was at boiling point and his parents thought it best he spend some time away from the family in a residential care unit.
Tom is no longer at the care unit. He and his family have moved over 300 miles to start afresh in Cornwall. However, their idyllic dream move is proving a challenge for everyone – especially Tom. He finds himself isolated in the countryside, with no friends and contemplating the pressures of having to attend a mainstream college.

Alex, 25, has Asperger's Syndrome, was using the internet to find a girlfriend and had been on a first date with Kirsty, 20 – another girl with autism.

A year later, Alex is doing well at work and Kirsty has become his girlfriend – but he still hasn't actually seen Kirsty since their first date. They live in separate towns and travelling to see each other is difficult and challenging. But Kirsty's birthday party is fast approaching and he plans a trip to see her. What does the future hold for a relationship such as theirs?

The Autistic Me – 1 Year On (working title) is a Firecracker Films production and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ executive producer is Maxine Watson.

The Autistic Driving School (working title)

Most teenagers want to learn how to drive. It represents a coming of age, a new beginning and a sense of freedom, but it is a daunting and stressful experience even for the calmest of individuals – much more so for those with autism.

For some young people on the autistic spectrum, learning to drive represents the independence they often find so difficult to achieve in the rest of their lives. Many autistic people cannot cope with noisy and unreliable public transport, crowds, or even being looked at by strangers. Learning to drive is a crucial aspect in their transition into adulthood – but it's not easy.

This new film follows a group of young people on the autistic spectrum all coping in different ways with their condition, and at different stages along their journey towards learning to drive.

From first lessons, to taking theory and practical tests, the programme captures the highs and lows of their experiences, revealing how varied and surprising autism can be.

The programme introduces 22-year-old twins Lucy and Lizzy, who share everything in life, including their driving lessons. After three-and-a-half years with their instructor they are ready to take their tests.

Karting enthusiast Chris was diagnosed with Semantic Pragmatic Disorder when he was very young, but is a super-confident driver. He's booked in for his practical test but, with a tendency to drive too fast, will he pass?

David and Laura are complete beginners but hope learning to drive will help their career prospects and personal lives.

The programme also examines what life is like for people with autism who have their driving licence. Twenty-six-year-old Sarah passed her test first time in 2004, but she's too scared to drive. Her Asperger's Syndrome means she is full of anxiety and terrified of crashing, but she is desperate to get back behind the wheel.

Julia is the only driving instructor in the UK to have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. She's studying for two degrees and is a member of Mensa, but how will a new student do under her guidance?

Taking a driving test is something that everyone can relate to – but a rite of passage many people may take for granted.

The Autistic Driving School (working title) is a Firecracker Films production and the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ executive producer is Samantha Anstiss.

Autism, Disco And Me

Andy and Sheila Hobley have three children, 16-year-old Alex and 10-year-old twins George and James. But they are not a typical family – all three boys have autism. Alex is an Emo, George likes playing computer games and James likes dancing – he is, in fact, a champion disco dancer.

Two years ago, James couldn't read or write – he struggled at school and was happier playing with his cats than talking to his family. Then, a leaflet for disco dancing lessons dropped through his door – and changed his life for ever. Within six months, he'd won countless competitions and was crowned "best beginner" at the World Disco Championships.

Now, James's goal is simple – he wants to win what's arguably the biggest disco competition out there – Disco Kid – in Blackpool.

James's family believes dancing has "unlocked" his mind. Since he started dancing, his reading and writing has improved drastically, his memory and coordination has got better and, for the first time in his life, he has friends.

Andy and Sheila have invested thousands of pounds on dance lessons, travel and fancy costumes preparing James for competitions, but believe the remarkable transformation they have seen in their son has been worth it.

This one-hour film reveals how dancing has transformed James's life and follows him on his incredible journey. James believes that dancing has fixed his brain, but will his progress be enough to see him through to the final of Disco Kid?

Autism, Disco And Me is a ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ production and the executive producer is Sinead Rocks.

The Autistic Proms (working title)

A two-part documentary series with a unique event at its heart has been commissioned as part of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three's Living With Autism season. The Autistic Proms (working title) follows a group of young autistic people with a passion for music, as they prepare for what could be the biggest night of their lives.

Fronted by ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1's Reggie Yates, the two 60-minute documentaries will follow a cast of young people aged 11 to 23 during the build-up to a one-off performance to be held at a major London venue.

The line-up includes young people from right across the autistic spectrum. They all have exceptional musical talents, but behind the stage curtain it is a very different story. Everyday life poses many challenges, for them and their families, but through creativity they become freer to communicate with the world around them.

The documentary will allow access to each of the cast members'lives, revealing their daily struggles and triumphs – helping to shed light on a condition that affects over 500,000 people in Britain. The event is an opportunity for young autistic people to show their talent and creativity on a high-profile stage, within an atmosphere that is sensitive to their condition.

Samantha Anstiss, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ executive producer, says: "The Autistic Proms (working title) is an inspiring addition to the upcoming Living With Autism season. As well as witnessing the determination of young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder taking on a momentous challenge, the audience will be led on a journey of awe-inspiring moments towards a celebration of artistic excellence."

The first film will introduce the UK and US cast, unveiling their established or untapped talent. Through the build-up, training and mentoring for the public event the film will reveal the hurdles, conflicts and personal triumphs of these young people and the professionals and relatives that care for them, as they prepare for the night of the performance.

The second film will bring viewers closer to the big night, with everyone arriving in London and rehearsals taking place. The American performers will also arrive and join in with the preparations. The final part of the second film will document the event itself, capturing the energy, excitement and inevitable ups and downs occurring on and off stage.

The Autistic Proms (working title) is a Prospect Pictures production. It is produced and directed by Guy Gilbert and executive produced by Todd Austin and Sam Bickley. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ executive producer is Samantha Anstiss.

The series will be broadcast as part of the Living With Autism season on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three, which includes the documentaries The Autistic Me – 1 Year On (working title), The Autistic Driving School (working title) and Autism, Disco And Me.

Notes to Editors

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three has a unique role to play in public service television. It is the only youth-focused channel with a regular commitment to news, current affairs and serious documentaries. It is the only channel tackling politics for the young through its General Election coverage and, over the next few months, the channel will show documentaries on the war in Afghanistan, child trafficking, autism, the use of rape as a weapon of war in the Congo, bullying and the life of Nelson Mandela.

No other youth-focused British channel makes programmes like these on a consistent basis. And with the channel growing 30% in the last two years, we know that young people like the ways in which we approach these subjects and find them thought-provoking and stimulating.

On average, 29 million people watch the channel each month and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three now reaches more young people in its broadcast hours than any other digital channel.

TD

Information for viewers

More content about ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three's autism season will be published, as transmission approaches, on: