By Nils Skudra

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch ASD Band: The Movie, a highly informative documentary about a group of young musicians on the autism spectrum in Toronto who have formed a band, named “ASD Band,” that actively promotes autism awareness and acceptance. Each of the band members brings their own unique intellectual and musical talents to the group, sharing their perspectives about their experiences with autism. This documentary provides enlightening insights on the ways in which people on the spectrum can form close-knit support networks based on shared interests, in which they can enhance their professional talents while educating the public about Autism.

The documentary opens by introducing the band members – Ron, Spencer, Rawan, and Jackson – as they gather in a garage for rehearsal. Ron, who plays the keyboard, exhibits a remarkable aptitude for classical music and for naming the day of the week on different calendar dates, even if they are decades ahead of the present. Spencer is highly talented as a drummer but displays some social difficulties in interactions with his family members, easily becoming annoyed with their dog when it climbs on the table and impatiently trying to set it back down on the floor despite his mother’s admonition to be gentle with the dog. Rawan, the band’s singer, infuses her lyrics with openly Autism-themed messages, such as “We’re different but not less,” the title of one of her songs. Jackson, the guitarist, writes songs for the band and plans to record an album of its music. As the documentary progresses, it delves into the lives of each of the four band members, shedding light on their formative experiences as people on the spectrum.

Rawan recalls that during middle school, she would sing on demand, which was very anxiety-provoking for her since it required singing in front of an audience. She reflects that she had an ardent desire to be popular and did not want to be picked on or ostracized, which was why she initially was very closeted about her autism. However, as she has matured, she has come to embrace her diagnosis and appreciate the unique talents that it gives her. Consequently, Rawan is highly dedicated to promoting Autism acceptance through her singing, which she now performs with confidence and a strong self-assurance.

Ron lives with his family, who are greatly appreciative of his musical talents but nonetheless cognizant of his need for greater independence. His mother reflects that he is very dependent on her in a wide variety of scenarios, even in cases of social interaction or articulating thoughts since he is significantly compromised on a cognitive level. Considering this, she states, “I hope the ASD Band will uplift his independence.” This is a highly common trend among parents of individuals on the spectrum since they often require additional support systems in their pathway toward independent adulthood, including specialized workshops offered by autism programs and social networks in which they can meet other people who share their diagnosis. In Ron’s case, the latter option is particularly beneficial since the ASD Band provides an opportunity for him to enhance his independent life skills in the company of other young Autistic adults who share his passion for music and are utilizing their talents in pursuit of the same goal.

Jackson, who also lives with his family, faces similar struggles in striving toward independence. In his case, there are a variety of complicating factors since his mother has multiple sclerosis and consequently requires significant support with her daily routine. In addition, Jackson’s younger brother Max is also autistic but has greater challenges since he is nonverbal and relies on his older brother’s direction for getting around. While Jackson’s parents acknowledge their desire for him to be independent, they note that these difficult circumstances are an obstacle which may delay his journey toward full independence. Nonetheless, Jackson maintains a spirit of optimism, stating that “My time will come,” although some might consider this a form of blind optimism due to his family’s situation.

The documentary’s climax takes place at the Toronto Opera House, in which the ASD Band holds its first performance after successfully producing their first album. Their performance draws a large and enthusiastic crowd, including their families and the autism community. In the concluding narration, the band’s family members reflect on the progress that their children have made through involvement in the ASD Band, expressing pride and hope that they will have a successful future in their personal and professional lives.

In summation, ASD Band: The Movie offers a compelling look at the potential of young musicians with Autism to succeed in working together to promote autism acceptance through music. By channeling their artistic talents, they are actively educating the public about the ways in which Autistic adults can contribute to mainstream society while fully embracing their identity. Furthermore, taking part in the band enables them to enhance their independent life skills while having support from their families. By watching this documentary, members of the Autism community can take inspiration from the ASD Band to successfully pursue their academic and professional career paths while being open about their Autism and how it benefits them.

I am an artist on the autism spectrum. I received an MA specializing in Civil War/Reconstruction history at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and I have been drawing hundreds of Civil War-themed pictures since the age of five and a half. I recently completed a secondary Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. As a person with autism, I have a very focused set of interests, and the Civil War is my favorite historical event within that range of interests. It is therefore my fervent desire to become a Civil War historian and have my Civil War artwork published in an art book for children. I am also very involved in the autism community and currently serve as the President/Head Officer of Spectrum at UNCG, an organization I founded for students on the autism spectrum. The goal of the organization is to promote autism awareness and foster an inclusive community for autistic students on the UNCG campus. The group has attracted some local publicity and is steadily gaining new members, and we shall be hosting autism panels for classes on campus in the near future.