Orange County Asperger's Support Group

Autism in Entertainment buzzes about BRIC! We want our community to enjoy the buzz, also. We're so excited, in fact, that we spotlight BRIC in our brand new AIE blog. It's right here: https://autisminentertainment.org/blog/

Buzzworthy BRIC recently hosted a Cal State LA-based think tank, and AIE Work Group members were there. Now, we're following BRIC's every move! Next up: Cool, inclusive BRIC activities for ALL - Apprenticeships, an Grant, and the Animation Pitch Boot Camp!

Applications are on the BRIC website here: https://www.bricfoundation.org/animationcoop

These opportunities are encapsulated on the AIE blog too.

Autism in Entertainment meets JDS Creative Academy in an enlightening collab!

AIE Founder and Chair Judi Uttal reveals all about neurodivergence and work in the Hollywood entertainment industry.
What an opportunity!
It's free!
It's on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. PT!
Register here: https://jdscreative.org/autisminentertainment

It's a contest! It's a film fest! It's dramedy! It's the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, and it's knocking on your door . . .

Autism in Entertainment ally Nic Novicki wants you to know that the 2026 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is open, and YOU are invited to enter! March 3 is the registration deadline. Apply via FilmFreeway.com: https://conta.cc/4a8BfL1

Thanks for the alert, Nic!

Read an article or two . . .
Join a crew!

Autism in Entertainment celebrates its successful September 7 Laugh Factory benefit performance, and there are 2 places to read about it:
https://conta.cc/3JXK80R

https://conta.cc/41TyM3U

YOUR chance to be part of a crew is on Thursday with the next CREATOR COMMUNITY gathering. Register here:
https://conta.cc/4plsCnn

See you soon, auteurs!

In mere moments . . .
Live stream AIE Workgroup Chair Judi Uttal and Outreach Maven Marlene Sharp on AUTISM LIVE with host Shannon Penrod! Get all your AIE news today on - https://www.youtube.com/autismlive

Spectacular September starts NOW!

Mark your calendars and register for this trifecta of special September events . . . Two of which are this week!

1) GOD'S GANG webinar starring Ni**od May, Rob Kutner, and surprise guests from the cast and crew (Noon, PT, Thursday, September 4 on Zoom).

2) An EXTRAORDINARY Fundraiser at Laugh Factory Hollywood (1:30 p.m., Sunday, September 7, Laugh Factory Comedy Club, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles).

3) Creator Community Meeting #3 (5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 18, Ed Asner Family Center (LA), Quail Hill Community Center (Irvine), and on Zoom).

Click here for all info: https://autisminentertainment.org/event/autism-in-entertainment-extraordinary-fund-raiser-sunday-september-7-2025/

And now, a word from our friend Daniel Plagens of Humanitas . . . (You probably remember him from the recent, stellar film fest webinar):

Hey, AIE!

I hope you've been well since the panel! We wanted to reach out because we're working on an upcoming event that we wanted to put on your community’s radar.

As part of our Industry 101 series of educational events, Humanitas is hosting a book launch event for Los Angeles Times presents Breaking Into New Hollywood (Simon & Schuster).

Authors and journalists Ada Tseng and Jon Healey will discuss their newly released book, and various film and television-related career paths, with panelists Nik Dodani (series regular from ATYPICAL), Marilyn Fu, Angela C. Lee, Mike Gioia, and Chris Noriega.

The event will take place at Dynasty Typewriter Theater on August 20. We’d appreciate your support spreading the word to AIE's community.

*****Now through Friday, interested parties can use promo code Industry101 at checkout to save $10.
All the best,
Daniel Plagens
___________
See comments below for ticket link.

It was the journey of heroes, and it unfolded in San Diego. Read the GLOBAL TOY NEWS account of everything that happened to Autism in Entertainment at Comic-Con 2025! The new article is here: https://globaltoynews.com/2025/08/11/san-diego-comic-con-2025-welcomes-fighting-with-autism-from-autism-in-entertainment-and-spectrum-laboratory/

Then, swing by the AIE YouTube channel to see video highlights: https://youtu.be/UW4IalQtjcU?si=1Qau0DHf7IZkgWE4

Thank you to all heroes and sheroes who made this trip special!

Autism in Entertainment brought film festival fever to its webinar series on Thursday, June 12! Thank you, Leslie LaPage, Daniel Plagens, Isaac Zablocki, and Lawrence Carter-Long, for sharing your navigational tips and tools. Watch the entire live-streamed session on YouTube, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cza-YGaZmMw

Say, "Cheesesteak!!!"

Is there a young actor at your table? Consider passing along this juicy bit of intel from our casting contacts . . .

CARL THE COLLECTOR captured our hearts today!
Thank you for chatting with us about this big-hearted cartoon raccoon, Dana Green, Adriano Schmid, Zach Ohora, Lisa Whittick, and Ava X. Rigelhaupt!

The next AIE/OCASG webinar is on Thursday, May 8 and stars Kyle Boyd of Disney TV Animation in a presentation on portfolios! Register here: https://autisminentertainment.org/events-and-webinars/

Celebrate Major League Opening Day the right way! On Thursday, March 27, it's an and double header!
1. At noon PDT, catch the Small Business Guide to Hiring Autistic and Neurodivergent Talent . Register here:
https://conta.cc/41QbZFs

2. Slide into the new Creator Community (in person or virtually)! Sign up here: https://conta.cc/4bR2D0L

Happy spring, and see you soon!