March 26, 2024

Using autistic people themselves is an example of true inclusiveness. Not only do we invite them to the party, but we let them dance themselves.” Professor Sander Begeer, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Put March 26 in your calendar for a wonderful afternoon of engaging talks, panel discussions and presentations on creating opportunities for people with autism to become more visible in Dutch media.

There are still prejudices and stereotypes about people with autism that keep them from being cast in movies, commercials and TV shows. In today’s modern media landscape, they are virtually invisible. If they can be seen, it is often in a classic “Rain Man” manner. This limited representation perpetuates misconceptions and promotes a limited understanding of autistic people and what they are capable of.

What are the differences and shared characteristics between neurodiverse and neurotypical people? And how can this knowledge enable us to increase their inclusion in appropriate roles, even small ones, within different media productions.

In collaboration with the Israeli Embassy in The Hague, InterActing, Amsterdam’s esteemed non-profit theater school for teens with autism, invites a group of distinguished speakers and panelists connected to the Dutch media landscape. The event will take place at Boom Chicago at Rozengracht 117 in Amsterdam, home of InterActing’s classes and shows. The program is in English and registration is available at https://boomchicago.nl/spotlightonautism/ by Oct. 23!