By Marlene Sharp
While some colleagues celebrated Las Vegas Licensing Expo wins from last week, a smaller (but mighty) group continued to cheer a steady stream of happy returns from the April 5 Autism in Entertainment Conference. At both events, our beloved toy biz was front and center. However, the latter provided more than standard issue wheeling and dealing; it gave hope to a neglected neurodivergent workforce.
The world’s first Autism in Entertainment Conference – a single-day confab at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles – ignited new ideas and action toward neuro-inclusive hiring practices. At the forefront were recognizable names from the world of playthings. In terms of sponsorship, the Walt Disney Company, Genna Rosenberg’s GennComm, Russell Binder’s Striker Entertainment, and Lirit Rosenzweig Topaz’s Neko Productions and Frame By Frame online animation school delivered. Disney, GennComm, and Neko/FBF also enjoyed booth space on the exhibit floor, alongside 30 or so other corporate, creative, governmental, and educational entities.
Autism Media Network, home of the long-running, annual Autism Live Toy and Gift Guide, was a key Conference supporter, as well. Weeks prior to Skirball showtime, the digital Network featured AIE founder Judi Uttal in conversation with AUTISM LIVE podcast host Shannon Penrod on a dedicated, live streamed episode.
A cornucopia of general and breakout sessions packed the Friday, April 5 eight-hour program. All assemblies united work-ready attendees on the spectrum with potential employers. In one particular management-focused afternoon gathering, Ubisoft -second largest video game designer in the world – shared aspects of its neurodivergent employment programs. Audiences had the opportunity to hear ways that Ubisoft includes autistic people in its workforce. Other sessions included voiceover, animation, and film/TV panels tailored for attending talent on the spectrum.
The standalone video game panel was a particular highlight for those interested in consumer product-friendly careers. Onstage speakers included Kenn Viselman (Meteo Heroes, Thomas the Tank Engine, Teletubbies), Genna Rosenberg (Strawberry Shortcake, Bananas in Pajamas), Warren Davis (Q*bert game creator), Chris Tremmel (Booger Man game creator), Jasmin Hernandez (Sonic Mania, Sonic Boom, Team Sonic Racing Overdrive), Jamie D. Johnson (Game Gen training program), and yours truly as moderator.
In short, the AIE Conference was a groundbreaking union of neurotypical and neurodiverse minds. It resulted from a more than a year-long, strategic collaboration between the non-profit Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), the disability and neurodiversity-focused staffing and consulting firm Zavikon, and a generous grant from theCalifornia Department of Developmental Services (DDS). The summit featured multiple high-profile industry types, such as Nickelodeon, animation director Jorge Gutierrez (Book of Life), animator/reality star/educator Dani Bowman (Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum), and writer/producer/director Scott Steindorff (Understanding Autism, Station Eleven). Furthermore, twelve neurodivergent entertainment academies/mini studios – Brainstorm Productions, DaniMation Entertainment, Ed Asner Family Centers, Exceptional Minds, Jazz Hands for Autism, Game Gen, Inclusion Films, JDS Creative Academy, The Miracle Project, Silver Drawing Academy, Spectrum Laboratory, and Visual Arts Academy participated as educational partners.
Open-minded entertainment employers gleaned the following key takeaways from the experience:
- The oft-overlooked superpowers of the creative autistic community, encompassing attention to detail, focus, loyalty, and novel solutions to problems.
- The existence of dedicated neurodivergent-specialized educational institutions, such as Exceptional Minds, Brainstorm Productions, The Miracle Project, Game Gen, and Spectrum Laboratory, who engender practical skills in animation, visual effects, game development, and film production.
- The availability of California state government programs, such as the Regional Center Paid Internship Program (PIP), which allows companies to engage a neurodivergent employee for up to 1040 hours per year and at no cost to the employer. Fun fact: due to the Conference, several local entities already collaborate with job developer/disability and neurodiversity employment agency Zavikon to facilitate immediate hiring needs!
“We are thrilled with the success of the first Autism in Entertainment Conference,” said Judi Uttal, OCASG President and AIE Conference Chair. “The event brought together 100 media professionals with 150 work-ready autistic talent. Together, we saw that autistic individuals possess superpowers that make them a strong fit for many paid opportunities. Including them is good for both creative ideation and for business! Potential employers discovered government programs and support resources that facilitate employee onboarding with minimal impact to their bottom line. Everyone walked away feeling positive and connected to one another and this amazing community.”
Late breaking update! The Autism In Entertainment Workgroup drives new programming and engagement! On Thursday, May 30, 2024, it hosts Pierre Escaich, Neurodiversity Talent Director for Ubisoft, as he discusses neuro-inclusion initiatives. Zavikon’s Rebecca Beam moderates. The webinar is at 9 a.m. Pacific Time. For details, visit https://autisminentertainment.org/news-and-events/
