As National Autism Awareness Month continues throughout April, the Arc of Greater Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary are teaming up to support the cause.
The organizations will screen the 2016 documentary, “Life, Animated,” at the Kimball Theatre Sunday. The film chronicles a boy named Owen Suskind coming of age with autism, overcoming the associated challenges with the help of his family as well as animated Disney movies, which helped him develop emotionally and intellectually.
A Q-and-A session featuring Walter Suskind, the brother of the documentary’s subject, follows the film. The organizers are calling it a community conversation, hoping to encourage a back-and-forth dialogue and further familiarize the community with the developmental disability and the vast spectrum on which it exists.
“The word, ‘spectrum,’ is a very good descriptor. Because every single person is different,” sam Pam McGregor, the Arc’s executive director.
McGregor’s organization works with adults who have developmental disabilities, including autism. She lauded the way “Life, Animated” depicts the Suskind family’s journey, including how strong Walter’s parents and brother have to be in the wake of the disorder.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you make or what gender you are or any of those things. If you have autism, you’re faced with having to navigate it,” she said.
Some people still view autism as a lack of self control or discipline, McGregor said, rather than acknowledge the reality of its impact on a person’s brain.
“If you were in their head, you would know it’s not their fault,” she said. “I think it depicts that really well in this film, to help us become a little kinder.”
McGregor hopes the event will raise awareness about ways individuals with autism can find support and encourage more people to become their allies and advocates.
“Don’t put them into the shadows. Don’t ignore them. Embrace them.”
Want to go?
The screening and community conversation kicks off 2 p.m. Sunday at the Kimball Theatre. Tickets are $10, $5 for students and free for those with William and Mary ID, available at kimball.wm.edu.
For more information, visit thearcgw.org or call 229-3535.
Birkenmeyer can be reached by phone at 757-790-3029.
