Joe and Tahni Cullen of Hugo, Minn., found out last year that their son Josiah was among the one in 150 children diagnosed with autism in the nation.

This diagnosis can blindside parents. Many children meet their milestones, and then in the second or third year of life begin to mysteriously regress. They often experience speech and other developmental delays, and exhibit odd behaviors.

Josiah, now 3, is the subject of a new documentary called "Surprised by Autism" that was produced by Joe Cullen. Cullen is a Bismarck native, having graduated from Bismarck High School in 1994 and the University of Mary in 1998. Tahni Cullen is a 1997 graduate of the University of Mary.

"Surprised by Autism" follows the journey of the Cullen family as they learn about Josiah's autism and various ways to treat this whole-body disorder.

"Surprised by Autism" will air on several cable stations throughout the Midwest, including Dakota Media Access, Channel 12, in Bismarck. The show can be viewed online at YouTube by searching for "Surprised by Autism."