SANDPOINT - April is Autism Awareness Month, and Team Autism 24/7, a local nonprofit organization which champions families with autistic children and professionals who serve the autism community, is sponsoring the movie "Ocean Heaven," at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Panida Theater, 300 First Ave., Sandpoint.

There is suggested donation of $7.

Ocean Heaven involves the relationship between an autistic son and his terminally ill father, who is trying to teach his adult son life-survival skills and find him care before he dies. The movie stars Jet Li, better known for his martial arts movies.

The Internet Movie Database, better known as IMDb, rates the 2010 movie 7.6 out of 10.

Autism spectrum disorder is a brain-based condition, a group of developmental disabilities variously affecting social, communication and behavior.

The condition occurs nearly five times more often in boys than girls - 1 in 42 boys versus 1 in 189 girls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. White children are more likely than black or Hispanic children to receive a positive diagnosis.

There is no known cure. Early intervention from birth to age three improves child development, according to the CDC.

There is also no known cause. Scientists generally believe there are "likely" multiple causes ranging from environmental to biology and genetics.

The condition is on the increase; how much varies depending on the source. Autism affected 1 in 150 children in 2000. In 2012 the number grew to 1 in 88, then jumped to 1 in 68 in 2014, according to the CDC.

Team Autism 24/7 advocates for local autism issues, providing grants to local families and professionals.

"We try to support (professionals) because they are the ones who support us," Team Autism 24/7 Administrator Jen Christiansen said. "One therapist can help 30 different families. We bring resources to where they are needed."

Most of the organization's grants are derived from in-kind donations, Christiansen said.

Team Autism 24/7 will also be hosting a free presentation on bullying - understanding its nature and how to turn the tables on bullies - at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School, 2:30-4:30 p.m., April 29.

For more information contact Christiansen at 208-304-8225 or via email at [email protected].