A+E develops autism documentary

The feature documentary production arm of A+E Studios is working on an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind’s account of raising his autistic son.

Life, Animated tells the true story of Owen Suskind, who, after going years without speaking, memorised dozens of Disney animated movies and used them as a language to express himself.

Owen’s family, including his journalist father, in turn learned to communicate with him using Disney language.

The documentary is produced by A&E IndieFilms, in association with Motto Pictures and the production outfit owned by Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams, who will direct.

Broadcast deals and cinematic release are still to be negotiated.

A+E Studios was launched in June 2013 as factual cablenets operator A+E Networks moved into in-house production for the first time. The operation is run by Bob DiBitetto who was previously president and general manager of A&E and Bio channels.