It is with great joy and excitement that we announce our partnership with the upcoming film The Divergent Gift: Unboxing Autism, as well as an upcoming event that you will not want to miss out on!
As an upcoming documentary, The Divergent Gift: Unboxing Autism focuses on deepening positive Autistic identity through visualizing the various unseen struggles, challenges, gifts, and abilities of those on the (so called) “mild” end of the autism spectrum. Combining interviews with richly animated visualizations, the film explores many diverse experiences of this rising area of diagnosis as well as a personal journey showcasing just what it means to wonder—am I on the spectrum? The goal is to create a resonant and captivating film made by the Neurodivergent and Autistic community, for the community—and beyond.
As every experience of those on the spectrum is unique from person to person (even with a diagnosis or self-identifying), visualizing various special abilities, interests, and the challenge of difference is an important journey for normalizing, de-stigmatizing, and encouraging greater support, understanding, and acceptance. From educators to family and friends—or those curious and questioning about themselves—this film resonates on a deep and personal level that will captivate and inspire in equal measure.
This event is free to attend online from anywhere in the world as well as in-person for those that live in and near the Pacific Northwest! Please join us in person or online—RSVP here to guarantee your participation!
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness and support for the next phase of the film, bringing lived experiences to life with rich visualizations. As this project is a completely grassroots and community lead endeavor—it is also needing community support to get it pushed to the finish line! ALL funds raised go directly to the creative teams and artists making this film happen with passion and sheer will.
This event will include some never seen before behind-the-scenes footage of new UK footage, a sneak peak at some interview scene-selects (with new visuals and animation!), as well as a LIVE panel of some interview subjects… not to mention artwork featuring Neurodivergent and Autistic artists!
Please share this invite to any and all individuals, organizations, business, or community members that may have an interest in joining the journey.
I hope to see you at the event!
Beven Byrnes (hear my name)
Executive Director
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