Autistry Studios is a nonprofit organization supporting neurodivergent (autistic) teens and adults. Many of our students were in special education classes throughout their school years. There was often little or no expectation that they could be successful in academic courses. What educators often overlook is that most autistic people do not engage with topics that are outside of their personal interest.
Story Xperiential provides a unique opportunity for Autistry Studio's students to develop reading, writing, storytelling, and drawing skills. All of our students are familiar with Pixar films, and most are avid animation/anime fans. Our students are able to comprehend the Story Xperiential curriculum because they resonate with the context – animation is a world they know. For many of our students, this is the first time they have ever truly participated in a class. We teach the class over an 18-week semester, meeting twice a week for three hours each session.
The first week is all about the tools. Some students have already used drawing and editing programs. Others need to install software and familiarize themselves with it. For the initial stages, it is important that the students are comfortable with their tools. Even with a strong desire to learn, it is easy to become overwhelmed.
At the beginning of each section in the Story Xperiential program, we watch the online videos together and discuss the assignment. The educators meet with each student to ensure that they understand the deliverable and what it looks like for their individual project. The stories that result are often a window into the students’ personal experiences that might not have revealed in other situations.
The Story Xperiential class has been transformative for many of our students. One student came to Autistry with his special education teacher. She told us he was bright but that he could not read or write and never would be able to read or write. In this class he found his world and he found his voice. He wrote every word of his story!
Another young man is nearly non-verbal but was determined to narrate his story. We added subtitles to his Story Xpertial project to help the audience understand the narration, but he is very proud of his video. He now has the motivation to work on his diction and projection.
The Story Xperiential course has been a huge success at Autistry Studios. It has inspired our students to reach beyond what they ever thought they could accomplish. It has also shown all of us the true possibilities within our reach. For more information about about Autistry Studios, go to https://autistrystudios.com/
Writer: Janet Lawson is the co-founder and CEO of Autistry Studios, a therapeutic makerspace for neurodiverse individuals in San Rafael, California. Janet has a B.A. in Film Studies from UC Berkeley, attended the American Film Institute in Hollywood, and worked in the story department at Paramount Pictures.
She also co-directed the Quicksilver Theater Company for several years in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She recently published, Share the Road: The Journey to Autistry, a chronicle of sixteen years of personal experiences and student stories that led to the creation of a pioneering vocational training program that empowers autistic teens and adults.