This Thursday, February 3 at 10PM ET/PT, CBS’s Without A Trace, a drama series about the New York Missing Persons Squad of the FBI, will feature a storyline about a 12-year-old boy with autism who vanishes during a school field trip after he dashes away from the group.
According to the actors who play the parents of the boy, Christine Tucci and Vincent Angell, the role served as one of the most important roles in their lives. Tucci and Angell are really married and the parents of a 3-year-old boy with autism. They applaud the writer of the episode for the accuracy of their portrayal.
ASA spoke with writer Greg Walker about his motivation behind the storyline: “I had written about autism before and had been exposed to the disorder anecdotally. I used to work with two other writers that were parents of individuals on the spectrum and would hear about autism’s effect on their lives. So through my exposure to those writers who were living with the experience, I witnessed the emotional roller coaster parents go through,” he said. “I allowed myself zero tolerance for any mistakes on this episode and was very concerned about the viewer’s perception. Also, the actors cared very much about their role and felt it was hugely important to fully understand autism spectrum disorders,” he added.
In addition to safety issues, the episode also highlights siblings, which the writer purposely included. Walker went on to say: “I wanted the episode to show the amount of respect and care the issue of raising a child on the autism spectrum deserves. And because I enjoy stories that involve siblings, I decided to tie in a sibling story–one who was diagnosed with autism–another who is typical.”
The episode, “Volcano,” will also feature a taped PSA encouraging parents to seek out early diagnosis and intervention, and ASA’s Web site for further support.
ASA commends Warner Brothers and the CBS network for bringing attention to autism spectrum disorders; moreover, for highlighting safety issues. In addition, ASA offers a special thanks to writer Greg Walker; Dennis Madalone, stunt director and committed friend of ASA and the cause of autism; and actors Anthony LaPaglia; Poppy Montgomery; Marianne Jean-Baptiste; Enrique Murciano; Eric Close; Christine Tucci and Vincent Angell.
A product of Project Lifesaver, a non-profit organization made up of Sheriffs, City Police, Search and Rescue Teams and other public safety organizations that electronically locate people who wander, is featured in this week’s episode of Without A Trace. | 
But here are some to hold you over until then.
And nothing says I love you more than Eeyore!!! 
I’ll get 
Geeze…that just makes me even more ready for this:
Sad. So…with Caleb being home…I’m sure that there will be pizza in our menu for football on Sunday…and if I have it my way, there will be some good beer to go with that pizza! 
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