Neurodiversity Resources

This is available through ELAC's Kanopy subscription. Take a journey into the rich sensory experience of autism. Imagine a world where words taste and thoughts feel, where sounds swell with color and leaves on trees change tones visible to the naked eye, and where eye contact with another can cause physical pain.

SPECTRUM explores autism through the lens of diverse characters on the spectrum. The documentary aired on PBS stations nationwide for Autism Awareness Month.

Dr. Temple Grandin, the most well-known autistic person in the world, breaks down the link between autism and sensory experiences. Her descriptions are illustrated with vivid character animation. In childhood, Temple’s sensory sensitivities were severe; a simple hug felt like a tidal wave of stimulation. The sound of rain could be described as loud as bullets. Others experience visual sensitivity like seeing flickering in fluorescent lights in a classroom or having sensory overload that creates a kaleidoscopic chaos.

Grandin explains that sensory issues originate in the brain processing – not in the eyes or in the ears. She believes these issues should be a primary focus for autism research. Understanding sensory perception could make a big impact on the lives of autistic kids and adults.

This is available through ELAC's Kanopy subscription. As the number of students on the autism spectrum attending college steadily climbs, schools and students alike are trying to figure out how to manage the unique challenges experienced by this community. Getting accepted is often easy enough, but once on campus, navigating college can be challenging in many ways, often leaving students to figure it out as they go along.

Five students on the autism spectrum — Guillermo, Jasmine, Caroline, Jonathan, and Aniella — invite viewers into their dorms and classrooms to show the world how they make college work for them. They share their dreams, fears, failures, and successes with candid insights and humor.

The students in the film come up against the typical challenges any other college student would encounter such as academic loads, making friends, handling roommate situations, and handling money. Disability services counselors at colleges try out a patchwork of new approaches and programs to help both students and faculty better accommodate their unique needs.

AUTISM GOES TO COLLEGE is a first of its kind film, packed with honest insights for students, parents, and educators that offers an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neuro-diverse students are bringing to campuses.