Announcing HOLDING IN THE STORM: MY LIFE WITH AUTISM

Discussion Guide accompanying the short dramatic film produced in Guelph being launched on Saturday, 29 March 2014

The short dramatic film Holding In the Storm takes place partly in a park and partly in a university lecture theatre. Our main character, Matthew, has severe Autism and is unable to communicate with his voice. He expresses himself through his “thought voice”. We feel the visible and at times invisible social barriers caused by his lack of speech as Matthew and his companion dog are approached in the park by another character, Dave. We get a sense of Matthew's witty and intelligent character; we feel his happiness, sadness and frustration. All this reveals the many layers of his complex life. Another character, a university professor, uses a poem to challenge his students to discuss the meaning and intent and in the end reveals that the poet has Autism.

Holding in the Storm: The Discussion Guide is offered as an aid to reflection on the meanings of the film and to stimulate ideas of ways that people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (or other differences) can be better included in our neighbourhoods and communities. We have imagined questions that the film may suggest to viewers. The guide provides some answers in an overview of what it’s like to be an adult with Autism.

Contents of Discussion Guide:
Preface by Andrew Bloomfield   
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Why are more people identified with ASD now?   
Adults as well as children have Autism
How many Ontario people live with Autism?
How is Autism experienced in adulthood?
Gender in Autism
How typical is Matthew of others with ASD?
What makes Matthew feel he is in a storm?
How is Matthew able to hold in the storm?
Matthew’s “thought voice” and facial expressions
How Matthew communicates
An autistic poet?
Bridges-Over-Barriers by Andrew Bloomfield
Community relationships: awareness, understanding, acceptance, inclusion
Towards better lives and more secure futures
Learning more about Autism
More questions

The Discussion Guide with a DVD copy of the film attached is published by
Guelph Services for the Autistic for Bridges-Over-Barriers® 2014.
Cost $10 plus postage&packing when needed.
Discussion Guide: ISBN 978-0-9866586-6-2
Film on DVD: ISBN 978-0-9866586-5-5

We hope that everyone will continue to think about the film and ask questions, using this blog.