Inspiring #ADifferentBrilliant campaign video tackles autism stereotypes
The video is aimed at raising awareness of how people on the autism spectrum experience the everyday
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Your support makes all the difference.An autism charity has released a thought-provoking new video as part of a campaign aimed at encouraging a greater understanding and respect for people on the spectrum.
As one in 100 Australians deal with some form of the disorder, Autism Spectrum Australia has launched the A Different Brilliant campaign to raise awareness of the positive and negative experiences of people with the condition, and how others can help.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. It includes Asperger syndrome and childhood autism, according to the NHS.
With help from Damian Wyvill, the cinematographer of the award-winning film director Baz Luhrmann, the film portrays autism as an invisible disease which can affect anyone.
The powerful video starts with a pregnant woman’s stomach growing, as the viewer is told that there are four babies born every second all around the world: “each unique. A creation of brilliance," adding: "Some of us are a different brilliant.”
“We see things differently” the video declares, as a man on the autism spectrum strides away from a crowd photographing the Sydney Harbour Bridge to take a snap of a beautiful flower.”
“We hear things differently,” it continues as a young boy struggles with the intense noise of a supermarket and smiles loving at his mother who helps him by placing sound guards over his ears.
“Sometimes we struggle in social situations and we really appreciate it when you give us a hand,” it goes on, as the clip shows a young woman help her friend understand a joke at a lunch party.
“And you may not know by looking at us but we can be anyone and this is how we came into the world, as a different brilliant. Because we’re on the spectrum,” it concludes.
Adrian Ford, CEO of Autism Spectrum Australia, said he hoped the video would inject positive language and imagery into the national conversation about autism spectrum disorder.
"So often wonderfully talented, brilliant people with autism spectrum disorder are overlooked by society as being odd, or quirky, or obsessive," he told Australian broadcaster SBS TV.
"With our a “Different Brilliant" campaign, we hope to inspire a wider understanding and respect for how people on the autism spectrum are just like you and me, in many ways, but with their own uniquely brilliant take on the world."
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