Children's educational media firm FableVision has unveiled a new book and short animated film to promote understanding and support for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Developed in collaboration with the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), the creative team included noted author and Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein and FableVision's founder and best-selling children's book author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds. Expanding FableVision's growing line of media-based character education products, the Wings of EPOH DVD and book collection tells the story of a young boy with an autism spectrum disorder who is helped by an unlikely friendship with a butterfly named Epoh (hope spelled backward).

The Wings of EPOH educational media project is a partnership between FableVision and Phoenix-based SARRC, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to individuals with ASDs and their families. The DVD and book support SARRC's FRIEND program (Fostering Relationships in Early Network Development), which encourages better understanding of ASDs in school communities, and develops and improves the communication skills of children dealing with this challenge. The Wings of EPOH book and DVD are complemented by an educator activity guide and a tips booklet for educators, parents, peers and professionals supporting individuals with ASDs.

"It has been an honor working with Peter, Gerda and the FableVision team on this very powerful story," said Denise D. Resnik, co-founder of SARRC. "The Wings of EPOH collection represents brilliant pieces that touch and move people, and promote empathy, understanding and acceptance."

Reynolds, the internationally acclaimed author of the books The Dot, Ish and The North Star and illustrator of the New York Times best-selling books Someday, Little Boy and the Judy Moody series, has spent much of his career as an educator helping off-the-path learners realize their true potential. "Children, families, schools and communities who are challenged by autism need better support tools — and Wings of EPOH will do that," said Reynolds, who illustrated EPOH. "Kids with ASDs need to be embraced and celebrated for their differences — and this story makes that connection in a very touching way."

Klein, the author of Wings of EPOH, has spent nearly a lifetime speaking out about her experiences during the Holocaust and advocating for compassion and respect for those who are different. "The struggles and frustrations of communicating thoughts — finding comfort and connecting with loved ones — is something many individuals with differences face, and it was something I dealt with in my life," Klein said. "I pray this story helps those individuals find the courage to sprout their wings."

Klein is an acclaimed author and lecturer whose life story was adapted as the Oscar and Emmy award winning film One Survivor Remembers. Her books include her autobiography, All But My Life, as well as A Boring Evening at Home; The Hours After: Letters of Love and Longing, which she co-wrote with her late husband, Kurt; and The Blue Rose, a story of a young girl with developmental disabilities named Jenny. In 1998, Gerda and Kurt formed The Klein Foundation (www.kleinfoundation.org) to promote tolerance for differences, respect for others and the empowerment of students through education and community service.

The Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), founded in 1997, is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to autism research, education and resources for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their families. SARRC undertakes self-directed and collaborative research projects, serves as a satellite site for national and international projects, and provides up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about ASDs. For more information about SARRC, call (602) 340-8717 or visit www.autismcenter.org.