Autism Service Dog Documentary Project

I just finished editing Hold Me Steady, which is a 63 minute documentary about autism service dogs and the views of autism in the media.  Since I prefer to take on projects that are personal to me, this one definitely stood out.  I have been involved with the autism community all my life, and my love of dogs made this specific subject all that much more compelling.  Brief info on the project is available below, as well as here at the official site for the film!

Baden – Service Dog-in-Training

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About Hold Me Steady:

Hold Me Steady is the story of autism service dogs, of the amazing lives that they touch, and of societies views on the world of autism. The social environment which we live in has rules, but it is in constant flux, always changing as cultures mix, as do individuals with disabilities. This 63 minute film shows conversations with volunteers and trainers, as well as respected individuals in the autism community. But most of all, it introduces audiences to families who’s lives have been directly affected by autism, and in turn, by these special dogs. Weaving together information, as well as visually showing a respectful portrait of the way these dogs help in daily life, we will create a positive picture of the autism community and the special relationships inside of it.

Why I made this film:

Because of the high prevalence of autism, every community is touched by it.  Many times when there are individuals with these autism service dogs, there can be misunderstandings as to why someone who clearly isn’t blind or in a wheelchair, for example, would also have a need for a service animal.

There is also a very stereotypical view of autism held by many because of the limited projects that accurately portray it.  By making everyone in a community more aware, this leads to greater acceptance, and through acceptance the world becomes a better place.

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For more info, or if you’re in the GTA and are interested in participating, please do not hesitate to contact me at: evcorrado@hotmail.com

– Erin Corrado