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Grades 4-6

An animated image with three people sitting across from the main character. The image is drawn from their point of view - we see their hands and a coffee cup.

Strange (3 mins)

An animated glimpse into the life of an autistic author exploring friendship, trials, and the use of unique coping strategies.

Lesson: Students will gain a deeper understanding of what autism is and identify what “strange” habits they themselves have.
A boy dances in front of a mirror

JMaxx and the Universal Language (13 mins)

Jarell is an autistic teenager who has uses hip-hop dance as a means to communicate his true self to the world.

Lesson: Students will gain a deeper understanding of what autism is and learn the concept of neurodiversity – brain differences are normal, not deficits.
Unspoken film still of Emma running

Unspoken (26 mins)

Using her insightful writing as a catalyst and remedy to the fear surrounding autism, Emma Zurcher-Long presents UNSPOKEN as a collaborative self-portrait; a chronicle of a teenager who lives in the beauty beyond spoken language. Follow Emma’s journey as she enriches our understanding of what it means to be human.

Lesson: Students will explore the dangers of assumptions and stereotypes while also learning about Emma, an inspirational non-fluent speaking autistic teenager.
From My Side of the Spectrum film screenshot image

From My Side of the Spectrum (10 mins)

A glimpse into Aiden Lee’s vibrant artistic world. Lee shares his artistic talent all while celebrating the beauty of this diverse world.

Lesson: Students will investigate the power of using visual art to convey meaning and learn about the concept of Person first language.
A man and his father stand under a neon sign

Sock Guys (11 mins)

A peek inside a unique business owned and operated by a man with Down Syndrome and his father.

Lesson: Students will learn what a Social Enterprise is and have the opportunity to begin creating their own.
Spectrum: A Story of the Mind film still

Spectrum: A story of the Mind (24 mins)

An animated and live action documentary that explores the inner sensory experiences of autism.

Lesson: Students will investigate ASD and better understand sensory processing and how it can affect themselves and others.
Hear This! film still

Hear This! (15 mins)

When the soccer club won’t allow his father to coach because he is Deaf, Tristan decides to prove them wrong.

Lesson: Students learn about different forms of communication and about ASL.