5 Takeaways From Inaugural Autism in Entertainment Conference: ‘The Industry Needs to Know They’re Missing Out’

variety.com:

Jack Dunn “Hire different.” That was the challenge posed to the entertainment industry by Judi Uttal, president of the Orange County Aspergers Support Group, at the inaugural Autism in Entertainment Conference on Friday morning.

As head chair, she welcomed in a colorful audience of over 100 skilled neurodivergent filmmakers, ready and willing to take their shot at show business. “You are the cream of the crop,” Uttal stated in her opening remarks. “You are people who should be employed.” With over 120 employers present at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, the Autism in Entertainment Conference was one of the largest industry networking events for neurodivergent creatives.

By providing much needed resources and support, Uttal hopes to launch careers for an entire wave of autistic creators. “Our mission is to increase employment of work ready autistic talent in the entertainment space,” Uttal said, addressing the crowd. “And all of you are work ready.” Here are five takeaways from the Autism in Entertainment Conference. Diversity in the work place means neurodiversity. The topic of diversity has been a huge point of discussion for industry players looking to bring new perspectives into their productions.

But a group that is often left out of that conversation, is neurodivergent talent. “Always, when I’m casting or hiring writers, you have to have diversity,” said Scott Steindorff, Emmy award-winning television and film producer. “But neurodiversity is not part of that, and it needs to be part of it.” Steindorff, who has ADHD and Autism, has worked with some of entertainment’s most prolific talent, including Paul Newman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey and Robert Downey Jr.