Project Summary:
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families have tragically limited access to and support in finding autism-sensitive healthcare and educational resources, leading to worse health outcomes and shorter life expectancy. In Wisconsin, individuals with autism also face numerous barriers to personal success, including limited knowledge of local employment opportunities, lack of professional role models, and various cultural stigmas and misconceptions, such as being thought of as poor communicators and collaborators. These factors shape what autistic youth believe they can achieve and become.
Those in Wisconsin’s rural areas face additional access-related health inequities. Autivision is an educational video channel targeted towards children and young adults in Wisconsin with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers. All content is written, filmed, edited, and presented by Wisconsin residents with autism. Autivision is broadcast freely on YouTube and other media platforms, including Facebook Live, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch.tv, allowing it to reach the target audience directly. Autivision comprises five unique shows, each serving a different purpose to benefit Wisconsin’s autism population. Given its broad-reaching free content, Autivision Wisconsin has a tremendous ability to positively impact the mental health of autistic children and young adults across the entire state.
Wisconsin’s autistic teens and young adults will gain self-confidence, learn about employment opportunities, and develop communication skills. Wisconsin’s parents and educators will become more aware of local services, programs, products, and opportunities to support their autistic children. All Autivision content will remain freely viewable online beyond the project period, benefiting Wisconsin’s autism population and maximizing resource utilization.