Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in English
Rosie O’Donnell’s documentary special “Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children With Autism” will begin streaming Tuesday, April 22 on Hulu. April is Autism Awareness Month.
“Unleashing Hope” spotlights the Guide Dogs of America’s (GDA) service dog program for children on the autism spectrum and takes viewers on a personal journey, showcasing how a service dog named Kuma transformed the lives of O’Donnell and her child with autism, Clay.
“My child is completely different because of the dog. They saved my child’s life. The healing started,” O’Donnell told Variety’s Marc Malkin exclusively when production on the documentary started last fall. Clay, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, was diagnosed with autism when they were two years old. “They have calmed down. They have a sense of connection. I was in shock. At the end of the year, they were getting most improved student at school.”
The documentary is co-directed by award-winning filmmakers Zeberiah Newman and Michiel Thomas and produced by O’Donnell and NY27 Productions‘ Terence J. Noonan and Hilary Estey Mcloughlin. Alongside Rosie and Clay, viewers will also follow another child with autism, Kaleb, and his family as they embark on their journey with the GDA program.
“I’m extremely proud of this documentary and the spotlight it puts on Guide Dogs of America. Support dogs are so helpful for children with autism,” O’Donnell added on Thursday. “Seeing the impact that a guide dog like Kuma has had on Clay and so many others has been heartwarming and uplifting.”
“Unleashing Hope” is produced by NY27 Productions, with distribution across Hulu, ABC Owned Stations (linear and digital streaming channels) and ABC News Live.
“When Rosie told us about her journey with Guide Dogs of America and the life-changing impact Kuma has had on Clay, we immediately recognized the need to share the stories of these incredible dogs and the incarcerated trainers who are making a profound difference,” said Noonan and Estey McLoughlin. “’Unleashing Hope’ highlights the powerful transformations experienced by these children with autism and their families, with the goal of bringing hope and helping others in the autism community.”
Recognizing the importance of representation both in front of and behind the camera, the crew includes two production assistants who are on the autism spectrum. Additionally, Cyndi Lauper has generously donated the use of her hit song “Shine” to the production. Guide Dogs of America/Tender Loving Canines and Toys“R”Us have also joined the film as select partners.
O’Donnell first learned about the use of service dogs for children with autism when she met Guide Dogs of America staff while visiting Lyle Menendez in prison. (O’Donnell has been a longtime advocate for the release of Lyle and his brother Erik Menendez.) To meet the increasing demand for service dogs, the nonprofit organization launched a program where incarcerated individuals train service dogs using positive reinforcement techniques. This groundbreaking initiative not only prepares dogs to change lives, but also aims to transform the inmates themselves.
“I’ve always been proud of the work we do, which is why I am so grateful to Rosie that now the world can see the impact service dogs are having on children with autism,” added Zack Gittlen, VP strategy & operations at Guide Dogs of America. ”The production team poured their heart and souls into the film and that’s why ‘Unleashing Hope’ shines.”
