Celebrating Autism in Entertainment with Special Guests Judi Uttal and Marlene Sharp

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This week, Leta welcomes special guests Marlene Sharp and Judy Uttal. Judy, president of the Orange County Asperger's Support Group and founder of Autism in Entertainment, and Marlene, an ally for Autism in Entertainment, discuss their efforts to increase employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum in the entertainment industry.
Judi and Marlene dive into the amazing work that Autism in Entertainment is doing. From connecting with other organizations to support and promote autistic talent, to the first Autism in Entertainment conference, Autism in Entertainment has a lot going on.
We start with the importance of groups that support the autism community and help advocate for them within the entertainment industry. Highlights include shining a light on The Miracle Project and the community they are building within the autistic community.
Then we dive a bit into the importance of representation in the media, and how seeing yourself not just on screen but seeing people who are like you working in the industry can be powerful. Especially for hidden disabilities like autism, that are often misunderstood and treated like something an autistic person should be ashamed of.
Donations to Orange County Asperger's Support Group can be made at https://www.memberplanet.com/s/ocasg/donations
Purchase Autism in Entertaniment's cool merch to help support their mission and help them fundraise for another amazing conference by clicking on this link https://www.memberplanet.com/s/ocasg/donations
Judi mentioned the Miracle Project in today's episode. Check them out, and donate to them as well. http://themiracleproject.org/
Leta's nonprofit Autistic Wings Dance Company is booming. They need to raise the funds to move into their own space so they can provide more classes for dancers on the Spectrum. Donate (or register) by going to https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.org/

Chapter

1. Autism in Entertainment (00:00:00)

2. Autism Representation in Entertainment (00:15:09)

3. Celebrity Advocacy for Autism Acceptance (00:21:45)

4. Autistic Wings Dance Company Fundraiser (00:35:02)

5. Holiday Fundraiser Plea (00:43:43)