82 People. One Almost-Full Theater. And a Non-Speaking Autistic Community Coming Together

Yesterday, despite the terrible weather, 82 people joined JoyDew at the Clairidge Theatre for our autism-friendly screening of Pointing Fingers.

The theater was almost completely full, but what made the afternoon especially meaningful wasn’t just the movie. It was seeing so many young adults from the non-speaking autistic community together, socializing, connecting, and enjoying an event designed to welcome them exactly as they are.

JoyDew was proud to sponsor the event and welcome guests with free whiteboards and other gifts to help make the afternoon even more special.

The program kicked off with Heidi Rome, author, parenting coach, and founder of Moms Spectrum Oasis, who helped set the stage for an afternoon centered on communication, competence, and possibility.

Then we watched Pointing Fingers, an original murder mystery written by and starring autistic non-speaker Dan Bergmann. The film follows a young non-speaking couple who become suspects in a murder and must uncover the real killer, while navigating a world that repeatedly underestimates them.

After the movie, Dan joined us for a live audience Q&A, answering questions and giving attendees an opportunity to hear directly from the filmmaker behind the story.

For us, the afternoon was about more than watching a movie.

It was about community. Friendship. Representation. Communication. And creating spaces where autistic adults can come together and belong.

To everyone who braved the weather and joined us, thank you for making the afternoon so special.

At JoyDew, we believe differences in communication should never limit expectations, opportunities, or connection. Learn more about our supported communication here.

Yesterday was a wonderful reminder of what can happen when we create the opportunity and make room for everyone to participate.

#JoyDew #PointingFingers #AutismCommunity #NonSpeakingAutism #AutisticAdults #PresumeCompetence #Communication #AutismAcceptance #Community #Belonging

RECENT POSTS

About JoyDew

JoyDew transforms the brutal reality of people with autism from being treated as a commodity, living in isolation and without hope, into flourishing human beings with lifelong friends, who can express themselves and apply their unique talents and skills to succeed in the workplace. Our day program identifies their unique strengths and interests, develops them with job training and academic enrichment, provides communication and other supports, and creates high-level employment for people with autism, without exception, where they can learn and grow in a community of their own, and unleash their hopes and dreams.