Autism Speaks met with the First Lady of Peru and organizations promoting respect for the rights of people with autism

The government of Peru gave a big step when the First Lady of Peru Nadine Heredia and the vice ministers of Health, Education and Women met with the representatives of the world’s most important organization in autism “Autism Speaks” Dr. Andy Shih and Mr. Michael Rosanoff in order to talk about challenges and opportunities for collaboration in view of the issues facing people with autism in Peru.  

During this meeting Dr Shih explained the Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) Initiative, whose mission is to increase autism awareness and recognition, service delivery, and research collaboration around the world. They were impressed by the interest shown by the First Lady of Perú and the authorities of the government to make future projects of collaboration with the objective to serve the children with autism in Peru.

They also met in the Centro Ann Sullivan del Perú-CASP, with 13 organizations such as AFPAC PERÚ, Alcanzando, Asociación Siempre Amanecer, ASPAU PERÚ, ASPAUC - Cañete, Autismo Perú, Avanzar, Centro Ann Sullivan del Perú, EITA, Olimpiadas Especiales, ONG Growing Happy, Soy autista, y que? and Recrearte that support quality education and promote the inclusion of people of the autism spectrum disorder in Peru.  This meeting allowed all of these institutions to share their successes, challenges and top priorities with the representatives of Autism Speaks.

It was an historic visit of Autism Speaks for families who have children with autism and professionals because Autism Speaks sent a clear message of hope that this international organization will help in the development of priorities the government decides are the most important for people with autism in our country.

"The Story of Luke" directed by the Peruvian Alonso Mayo, won the award for best film at the 2012 San Diego Film Festival

The first film of Alonso Mayo was chosen as the best movie at the San Diego Film Festival, in the United States.

"The Story of Luke" was shot in Ontario, Canada, in 2011 and tells the story of a young man with autism that has lived a sheltered life, and that he is about to embark on a quest for a job and a girlfriend.

The film stars are: Lou Taylor Pucci, (a young actor who plays Luke), Seth Green, Cary Elwes, Kristin Bauer, among other actors.

"The Story of Luke" will participate in several festivals this year. So, On October 6^th, it will make its premiere at the Edmonton International Film Festival (Canada); on October 14^th, at the New Orleans Film Festival (USA.); on October 19^th, at the Tallgrass Film Festival (USA.); on October 20^th, at the Film Festival (USA.) and at the Heartland Film Festival (USA.); and on November 4^th, at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (USA).