Autism Awareness Short Film Theo - The Trigger for Change

Some students with autism struggle in the classroom all over New Zealand and throughout the world. For some students like Theo it has been a tough journey this year at school. Homeschooling was going to be an option unless things could change as Theo would constantly be curled up in a corner within the class covering himself with cushions as it was all too much for him.

By getting support from outside agencies such as the Resource Teachers' of Learning & Behaviour we were able to support Theo and focus on his strengths and interests as well as thinking outside the box in terms of developing a Collaborative Action Plan where the whānau, student and teachers worked together to achieve some goals and one major goal for Theo to be not only present but participating in the classroom.

It all started with a simple book called Gus the Aparagus by Ann-Marie Finn. This story enabled Theo to make a connection with a character from the book, which also helped the rest of his peers understand a bit more about Theo and his ASD. From there and a huge amount of intervention Theo is now at school and has 100% attendance.

We want to showcase his journey and achievement so that other students on the spectrum can see that it is possible to succeed. Theo also wants to help other students with ASD and teachers learn what they can do to help students on the spectrum.

His journey through strategies, music, and now this creative project has enabled him to feel success and has enabled him to realise his potential.

It is innovative in that it is the first time within this school at least if not within NZ where a student gets to help from film-maker Anand Rose of Green Cow Film & Music to write and produce his own short film about his ASD. Theo will also write and produce an original song for the short film with one of the lead singers of The Slacks Mark Armstrong.

This project also has the potential for supporting students worldwide with ASD giving them hope and bringing more awareness of what they can do with the right support. Students and staff need to see the huge talents these students have around their special interests.

Theo wants to share strategies that help him and may help others. We want to showcase Theo's success and the journey that he has made this year and demonstrate how much success you can have by differentiating the curriculum and building on strengths and interests.