About the Film

In this revealing documentary, you will meet Barbara, Stephen, Kathy, Jamie, Sue, & Jenn, six adults with autism labels. They address questions such as “What is autism?”; “What is good about autism?”; “What is hard about autism?”; and “What is support?” and provide answers that are touching, revealing, and often unexpected. These six individuals communicate in compelling and often humorous ways their views on issues ranging from sensory problems, to communication needs, to the celebration of special interests.

The purpose of this film is to communicate a message about personal power, agency, and voice. Too often, in the fields of autism and disability, we look only to the medical, teaching, or therapeutic communities for answers, insight, and guidance. These individuals and their powerful words illustrate why the “autism experts” we need to listen to and learn from, above all others, are those who live with the autism label.

Reviews

Rosalynn and I welcome the release of the documentary, “We Thought You'd Never Ask.”  These first person accounts provide a window into the lives of those affected by autism.  We applaud this rich portrayal of the diversity, creativity, and insightfulness of people with autism, and hope that it will promote understanding and further research and support for the autism community.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter

Understanding autism MUST begin with the authentic voices of those on the spectrum. "We Thought You'd Never Ask:  Voices of People With Autism" features noted self-advocate leaders providing information, insights, philosophies and perspectives about their lives, opening the doors of understanding about needed supports.  Professionals, family members and self-advocates should note that there has not been another film quite like this before--a must see!
 
Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D.
Professor, Diversity in Learning & Teaching Department
National-Louis University , Chicago

The true experts on disability are the people who are "walking the
walk."  This video gives us the opportunity to listen to and learn from them.  We have so much to learn, and they have so much to teach us!

Sandra McClennen, Ph.D.
Educator and Psychologist
Professor Emerita, Department of Special Education
Eastern Michigan University

This is the single most powerful film on ASD to date. Any and all autism workshops or University courses (when lead by neurotypicals) should begin and end with this film – framing our work on behalf of people with ASD with the voices of people with ASD. For those committed to self-determination and self-advocacy in the disability field, this film allows you to walk the talk; it is an exemplar of what our field might look like if in fact we make room for leadership by people with disabilities. 

In my work as a provider of professional development, I am constantly searching for videos that portray people with ASD in authentic and respectful ways. This new video provides EXACTLY what is needed – a video where people with ASD are defining ASD, reflecting on their strengths and struggles, and providing much needed insight and advice to the field. 

Take 30 minutes of your life and experience a truer understanding of autism. Watch this video!

Michael McSheehan
Clinical Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Project Coordinator, Institute on Disability
University of New Hampshire

"Voices" is a wonderful montage of some of the most interesting people you could ever meet. Their voices from the heart remind us of the richness of diversity and the courage of those whose experience is "different". Buy it and share it. It is a must for every classroom, university and library ...and every home!

Anne M. Donnellan, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Leadership and Education Sciences
Director, USD Autism Institute
University of San Diego

Discussion Questions

•  How does the “definition” of autism in the film differ from the one/s you already know?

•  Were you surprised to see what these individuals shared on what is good and what is hard about autism? What were your beliefs or understandings before? How have your beliefs or understandings changed, if at all?

•  What did you think about the comments offered on support? What does support mean for the individuals in the film? What does support mean to you?

•  The individuals in the film were asked to describe their autism in five words or less. This was a challenge for them because autism and their own lives are undoubtedly complex. What are your feelings about the various answers to this question? Why do you think the filmmakers asked this question?

•  Is there someone in your life you would like to ask this same set of questions? How do you think an interview like this would affect that person? How do you think interviewing that person would affect you? How might you use such an interview (and any related transcript, audiotape, or videotape) to support the person?

•  What could a teacher of a student with autism take away from this film? A parent of an individual on the spectrum? An occupational therapist? A speech and language therapist? A person on the spectrum?

•  If you are a person on the spectrum, how were these responses similar to those you might have shared? How are they different?

•  What other questions would you have liked to see asked and answered?