Today is December 2, aka #GivingTuesday, and Wilton filmmaker Megan Smith-Harris hopes that in the spirit of giving, people will consider supporting her efforts bring a very powerful one-hour documentary to the big screen. This documentary, titled Boy / Blue, puts a much needed spotlight on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Smith-Harris hopes to raise $87,000 to complete the documentary in time for World Autism Day in April of 2015.
"Young or old, we need to look past their perceived differences and appreciate their world view and unique abilities. It is estimated that 80-85% of people with autism are unemployed or underemployed. That needs to change," Smith-Harris writes on her website.
Boy / Blue is a story of a special bond between a 7 year old boy, Liam Petersson, and Blue, his autism assistance dog. Liam, son of Tom Petersson, a founding member of the rock & roll band Cheap Trick, is a beautiful, active boy who struggles with a seizure disorder and difficulty clearly communicating his needs due to speech delays.
According to Smith-Harris, BOY | BLUE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit production, was "created to ignite social change".
"The film’s heartfelt message is clear: individuals with ASD are not defined by their diagnosis. It’s time to erase the stigma and embrace, accept, and celebrate all our differences," Smith-Harris writes on her website.
View a clip from the film here.
Want to help make this film a reality? Click here to donate.
*Image courtesy of Boy / Blue website.