Two-minute short produced by leading charity shows challenges faced by autistic and neurodivergent people
Leading autism research and campaigning charity Autistica has produced a new short film to mark its 20th anniversary. Our World, 2030 explores the challenges and anxieties of day-to-day life for autistic and neurodivergent people. It also underlines the charity’s work in enabling autistic people to lead happier, healthier and longer lives.
The charity has already set out ambitious targets in its 2030 Goals. By that year, it wants all autistic people to have proven support from day one, to double the employment rate for autistic people, to have proven treatments for anxiety available, to make more public spaces accessible to neurodivergent people, to offer every autistic adult an annual, tailored health check, and to improve attitudes to autistic people more widely.
Our World, 2030 features a cast of neurodivergent actors including Bradley Riches, best known for playing ‘James McEwan’ in acclaimed Netflix series Heartstopper as well as being a former contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Bradley was announced as Autistica’s first celebrity ambassador earlier this year.
Bradley says: ‘I really enjoyed being involved with Our World, 2030. We’ve created something very special that has a very important message and I’ve had a lot of fun while doing so. It’s been great to be able to use my acting skills to give a voice to those who may not have found theirs yet. My hope is that Our World, 2030 encourages everyone to better understand and accept neurodivergent people and that it inspires greater empathy and awareness of the unique challenges facing autistic people.’
Dr James Cusack, CEO of Autistica, who also appears in the short film, adds: ‘We wanted to celebrate the diverse range of autistic experiences and the vital role of Autistica in delivering the groundbreaking research that supports autistic individuals and their families. This film is integral in showing how, together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive world for all.’
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