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鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 want to be not autistic鈥 鈥 how directing films with Asperger鈥檚 Syndrome helps Jessica develop their unique voice

14 August 2018

Jessica has an unusual perspective on the world.

They have Asperger’s Syndrome, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, dyspraxia (a condition affecting coordination), a straight spine, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and past experiences of abuse.

They are also a writer, historian and filmmaker.

Of their short film The Constant Companion – the story of their own experiences – they say “This is the film I’ve needed to make. The pain’s worth it because it’s something I’m so passionate about.”

Directing A Short Film With Jessica | Into It

Jessica is a young filmmaker who has Asperger's and Dyspraxia.

How directing the film pushed Jessica

“As someone with Asperger’s, I’d say it’s brought me out of my shell. I’ve learnt how to be flexible on set about what we’re gonna get, about my vision, the vision of other people.”

“There’s also physical disabilities. Standing for long periods of time while you do your shoot, then doing the clapperboard and you kind of tense up while you’re watching the performers.”

鈥淚 don鈥檛 really cope, I just get on with things鈥

“I wouldn’t want to be not autistic. I am happy with who I am.

“A voice can be a powerful thing. You can overcome anything.

“The voices that tell you you’re worthless – that tell you you shouldn’t exist, that you deserve what happened to you – just kind-of laugh at them and ignore them. Accept that they’re wrong and just get on with your life.

“You can find love and connection with people. Even if someone’s tried to make you feel that you can’t. You can always recover and you can always find hope.”

What’s it like to have Asperger’s?

Chris wasn't diagnosed until he was 42 (from 2016)

A mother’s poem about her son’s struggle

Chris Packham on dealing with Asperger’s in his youth (from 2017)

‘Art saved my life’ (from 2017)

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