Share This Campaign:
The Story
Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective is a feature documentary chronicling the journey of five fathers whose children have all been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The film is currently in post-production, with director/filmmaker Charles Jones and his team looking toward the next step. That step is the ALM Outreach Campaign, an initiative to raise awareness about autism and the special role of fathers of children with autism.
Working at NYMetroParents magazine, we see inspirational and touching stories every day. Once in a while though, a story moves us in a way that is difficult to explain, and we know we need to do more than just feature it in our pages. That was the case when we heard the story of Jones and his movie, Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective.
After interviewing Jones and Anthony Merkerson, another father featured in the film, we knew we had to help them reach their goal of raising enough money to tour the film throughout the country so that everyone could see it. That's why we've issued a call to action. Watch the clip of the movie above, read more about the project below, and check out both the film's website and our extensive coverage. We hope that you'll want to donate to help the ALM Outreach Campaign share this movie and this message of advocacy and awareness with the whole world.
Director Charles Jones explains his goals for the film and the Outreach Campaign like this: "Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective is a very personal film, derived from my own experience. In many ways it mirrors my journey as a father since my son Malik was diagnosed with autism at age two. After many struggles dealing with the ups and downs of my son's diagnosis, my gut instinct said, 'There are fathers out there living and experiencing the same hardships and challenges that I'm dealing with. How can I help them be heard? How can I shed light on these experiences so that the world can be more aware?' ALM was born from this passion to help others find their voice."
What We Need & What You Get
As the documentary moves into post-production, the film's cast and crew are looking forward to the ALM Outreach Campaign. The film serves as the centerpiece for the Campaign, which aims to take the film on tour with director Charles Jones, primary advisor and clinical psychologist/speaker Dr. Robert Naseef, and some of the fathers who are featured in the documentary.
The ALM Outreach Campaign will hold educational forums (free and open to the public) where they will introduce audiences to the critical issues covered in the film, dispel some of the myths that can debilitate fathers and families, and encourage community groups and men to create their own resources for support.
With the goals of reaching families at forums around the country, beginning with various nearby cities including Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Richmond, Charlotte, and Miami, the cast and crew are relying on donors to help make their dream a reality.
The money we raise in this NYMetroParents-sponsored fundraiser will all go directly to touring the film and hosting community-building forums.
Donations of all amounts will receive a special "Thank You" in all ALM Outreach Campaign materials and on the NYMetroParents blog. Larger contributions may receive additional perks which will be announced throughout April, Autism Awareness Month, until the end of the fundraising period.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't donate at this time, or if you would like to contribute even more, please help us spread the word. We want this film to be seen by as many people as possible, and we want to spread its message of advocacy and awareness around the world.
Regardless of what you can afford to donate, please let people know about this project. Tell your friends, send emails, talk about it on Facebook, on Twitter, on your blogs, on your tumblrs, in line at the grocery store...please, help us make this important story heard.
We are so grateful for your help. Thank you from both the staff of NYMetroParents and the cast and crew of Autistic Like Me: A Father's Perspective.
