News
April is National Autism Awareness Month
March 2020
There is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. With the threat of COVID-19 affecting every nation and community, it's very important for us to stay positive and focus on what matters: people. Our families, friends and community are our biggest support, especially in times like these.
That's why we wanted to take time to celebrate a very special group in our community, everyone affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The month of April is traditionally recognized as Autism Awareness Month where we usually record videos of our team dancing in blue. We've even seen marathons and 5k walk/runs pop up in the past with the intention to raise awareness and celebrate our friends and loved ones with Autism.
Well, this year with quarantine in effect, we think we've found another way to show love to this community while maintaining our social distancing.
We've put together a list of videos, movies and even books that feature autistic characters (or real people) who are making great art and entertainment all while educating folks on the realities of living with ASD.
Our hope with sharing this list is two fold:
- This is first and foremost a celebration of the beautiful people in our lives or our community who experience ASD. We want to highlight these people and demonstrate how wonderful they are in every way, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum.
- We want to encourage everyone out there to stay home and help avoid the spread of COVID-19. Giving you a bunch of great content to watch or read should help. The health care professionals in our community and across the world with thank you.
Without further ado, here's our list:
- Asperger's Are Us
In this coming of age documentary, four friends on the Autism spectrum whom have bonded through humor and performed as the comedy troupe "Asperger's Are Us" will prepare for one final, ambitious show before going their separate ways.
How to watch: Amazon
- Atypical
Sam, an 18-year-old on the autism spectrum, decides it's time to find a girlfriend, a journey that sets Sam's mom on her own life-changing path as her son seeks more independence.
How to watch:Netflix
- TED Talk Temple Grandin
Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.
How to watch: TED Talks
- Sesame Street: Meet Julia
Meet Julia, an old buddy of Elmo's and the newest friend on Sesame Street. Julia has autism...and she and Elmo share an amazing friendship.
How to watch: YouTube
- Amazing Things Happen
Introduction to autism that aims to raise awareness among young non-autistic audiences, to stimulate understanding and acceptance in future generations. It is intended to be viewed, discussed and shared widely by anyone but especially teachers and parents.
How to watch: YouTube
- Fast Facts About Autism
This video is part of a project called Autism Explained. It's an autistic created resource for parents providing practical advice to help you create healthy supportive environments for your children.
How to watch: YouTube
- Marvelous Max
Marvelous Max is a 3 minute animated video for Primary School kids. The aim of the video is to create more awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
How to watch: YouTube
- Uniquely Wired: A Story about Autism and Its Gifts
Follow Zak, a boy with autism, who wants you to understand how he experiences the sights and sounds of the world around him.
How to watch: Boys Town Press