Autism: Another Way of Communicating
communicating in another way.
The following persons played pivotal roles by appearing in the film, and/or by providing fiscal, artistic and/or moral support for the film.
Persons with Autism
Temple Grandin, Ph.D.: Temple is internationally known as the first person with autism to write extensively about her experiences as a person with ASD, and who is the author of five books on autism including Emergence: Labeled Autistic (1988), Thinking in Pictures (2001), and Animals in Translation (2005). Temple is an Associate Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, and is a world-renowned animal scientist. Her career is a tribute to the importance of developing and supporting special interests and abilities of persons with autism.
Stephen Shore, Ed.D.: Stephen is a man with autism who is an international lecturer, consultant, musician and music teacher, who provides music instruction for children with ASD. He has published three books on autism, including his autobiography, Beyond the Wall (2003) , Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for Persons with ASD (2004) and Understanding Autism for Dummies (2006). Stephen holds a Ed.D. from Boston University in Special Education, lectures and consults internationally, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Autism Society of America (http://www.autismasperger.net/bio.htm)
Children with Autism and their parents:
Justin Canha and Maria Teresa and Briant Canha: Justin is an accomplished 17 year-old artist with autism, who is represented by the Ricco-Maresca gallery in New York City. Justin’s parents recognized the seeds of his talents at an early age and have since worked with professional artists to nurture his talents and abilities and to disseminate his work. Justin works in various media including acrylics, charcoals, water colors and computer-animated graphics. Justin attends High School with full-time support, and his art is now receiving national recognition and has appeared in Oprah Magazine and many periodicals and newspapers (www.justinart.com)
Matt Savage and Diane Savage: Matt is a 15-year-old with autism, who is recognized as a “jazz prodigy”. Matt’s parents focused on Matt’s strengths in math, reading and eventually music as a way to build his self-esteem, sense of self and social awareness. Matt is now a professional musician and has performed on many TV shows (Conan O’Brien, Today Show) and in some of the top Jazz Clubs in the country (Birdland in NYC, Dizzy’s at Lincoln Center). He recently opened for Wynton Marsalis in a nationally telecast concert. Matt has released 7 CDs, all of which include music composed by Matt. He has received the prestigious ASCAP Young Composers award in three consecutive years, 2005-2007. (www.savagerecords.com).
Hundreds of parents and children, of all ability levels and from all walks of life who participated in events that were filmed in 2006.
Professionals in Autism and related disabilities
Barry Prizant, Ph.D.: Technical Consultant and Executive Producer. Barry is Director of Childhood Communication Services, an Adjunct Professor at Brown University in the Center for the Study of Human Development, and an international lecturer, researcher and consultant who has devoted his career to supporting persons with autism and their families. Barry has published two books, more than 90 chapters and articles, and was a 2005 recipient of the Princeton University-Eden Foundation Award in recognition of his career contributions in improving services for persons with autism and their families (www.barryprizant.com).
David Heimbecker, Ph.D.: Executive Producer. David is the Executive Director of the South Coast Educational Collaborative, an agency providing educational and vocational services for students 3-22 years of age and their families in Southeast MA. David is a Psychologist, a former Superintendent of the North Providence, RI School System, and an expert in quality of life issues for persons with disabilities (www.scecoll.org)
Linda Walder Fiddle: Executive Producer. Linda is the Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, whose mission is to provide grants to residential, recreational, educational, vocational and family support programs that enhance the lives of adolescents and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Linda serves as a Trustee of COSAC, New Jersey’s leading autism advocacy organization and is a member of the Advisory Board of The Autism Center of The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. (www.djfiddlefoundation.org)
Barbara Domingue, M.Ed.: Co-Producer. Barbara is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Autism Resources, Swansea, MA, a state-funded parent run family support center that provides support to families and professionals, and is committed to sharing knowledge and information that will enable persons with autism to live satisfying and fulfilling lives within the community. She also is a parent of an adult son with autism. (www.community-autism-resources.org)
Artists
Gary Keys - Film Director, Director of Gary Keys Productions, documentary film-maker and music producer whose work on Duke Ellington has received many awards and is in the archives of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Roger Ricco – Producer, Artist and Co-owner of the Ricco-Maresca Gallery in NYC. Roger has exhibited and supported the art and careers of individuals with ASD (www.riccomaresca.com)