Fireflies

I want to write to you about autism today because The Jubilee Project has made this the subject of their most recent film and I am always happy to point out the excellent work of these guys.  You might think you know about autism already.  You watched Rainman, right?  What else is there to know?

Autistic people are as different from one another as they could possibly be. In fact, the only elements that ALL autistic people seem to have in common are unusual difficulty with social communication. Autism is so often stigmatized and misunderstood. Anything that helps to raise awareness is good.  I always suggest to people who want to know more to ask questions, visit websites, open your minds and prepare to learn.

The Jubilee Project, which consists of Jason, Eddie, and Eric.  Their mission is making videos that make a difference.  I've written about them several times here and have a link to their page above.  This latest effort from them is called Fireflies and you can watch it HERE.  I urge you to take a look.  Share it with your friends too!  I have even watched in several times.  You might want to do that too.  It is a very powerful video.

Fireflies is a simple yet wonderful reminder that we all are unique and yet we all are beautiful.  Autistic people are beautiful people.  Yes, there is a difference but life is filled with differences and that is part of what makes it beautiful. Abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain is linked to autism, but the exact cause of these abnormalities is not known.  At the end of the Fireflies video, the guys give some links for more information.

The Jubilee Project, on their website, also asks to hear from you, so let them know you saw the video.  Tell them what you think.  (Make a donation to their videomaking cause, if you are able).  Most important though - become part of the autism discussion.  Do you know people who are autistic?   How has autism touched your life?  Email them at dgic@jubileeproject.org