Discovery Health Profiles The Inspiring Kirton Family In AUTISM x6

Hour-Long Special Chronicling Life With Six Autistic Children Premieres Wednesday, October 1, at 8 PM (ET/PT)

When John and Robin Kirton first married, they knew they wanted to have a large family-but like many couples, they had no idea what they were in for. Today, the Kirtons are the parents of six children-each of whom has been diagnosed with autism. Discovery Health presents an intimate view of life with multiple autistic children in AUTISM x6, an hour-long special premiering Wednesday, October 1, at 8 PM (ET/PT).

To say the Kirtons live modestly would be an understatement. The entire eight-member Kirton family resides in 1,100-square-foot house with a single bathroom located outside of Salt Lake City. Caring for the children's special needs requires round-the-clock supervision, making it impossible for either parent to have a permanent full-time job and causing financial resources to be scarce. Autism x6 takes viewers into the Kirtons' world and offers a view of John and Robin's daily struggle to maintain order in the midst of chaos, where the household can spin out of control the moment they turn their backs.

Considered to be a spectrum disorder, autism ranges from severe to mild-and the Kirton children span the entire spectrum. Viewers will meet-

* Mary, 3: Diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)-the least severe form of autism
* Ammon, 4: Diagnosed with classic autism-the most severe end of the spectrum
* Sarah, 6: Diagnosed with classic autism
* Nephi, 9: Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome-a high-functioning form of autism
* Emma, 10: Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome
* Bobby, 14: Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome

AUTISM x6 is the portrait of a resilient family coping with the struggles of each day by rolling with the punches and maintaining their sense of humor. The documentary also serves as a profile of the unconditional love that parents feel for their children.

"We did not choose to have autistic children, but they are here," said John. "We love them, and we want to do the best we can for them. That's the right thing to do."

Online at discoveryhealth.com, visitors can learn more about the Kirton family as well as access a variety of resources for more information on autism.