Current

Autism has gained acceptance in society is often identified within white male culture.  The women in the film face the same challenges in society and institutions that neurotypical Black women face without consideration of being on the spectrum.  The women have stories of searching for a way to become accepted into their communities or finding new roots.  Autism has proved an obstacle in connecting socially and sometimes culturally. 

 

The women are creatives who address autism in their work.

 

Mame N’Diaye who was diagnosed as a teen.  She is an accomplished artist.  Mame's work is informed by deep spiritual connections and her desire for healing in the world.  Mame's art has appeared in many exhibitions and engages viewers with energy, emotion and imagination of the drawings.

 

Louise Thundercloud was diagnosed as an adult after many diagnoses of mental disorders.  She is an advocate for native Americans, environmental issues, and people on the spectrum.

 

Kelly Harrigan was diagnosed in college.  Over the years of filming, she became deaf.  Kelly found solace and acceptance in the deaf community.  She studied for her graduate degree at Gallaudet University in Linguistic Anthropology focusing on anthropomorphism within American Sign Language Literature.