Organisations Involved:
- Commissioner: Greater Manchester Autism Consortium (GMAC)
- Funder: National Autistic Society (NAS)
- Talent Development Partner: SENDCode Agency
Introduction
Authenticity is key to creating useful resources. Recognising the need for teacher training materials that reflect the real experiences of neurodiverse young people, the Greater Manchester Autism Consortium (GMAC) commissioned the 'Just Ask Me' project, a series of short films for teachers, funded by the National Autistic Society (NAS). This case study outlines the neurodiversity-led approach taken by SENDCode Agency to deliver this project. It highlights the successful integration and development of Maximus, a DISC Supported Intern, who was actively involved throughout the production.
The Challenge: Improving Understanding
Teachers across the UK aim to support all learners but often lack resources offering direct, practical insights from neurodiverse students. GMAC identified a need for training aids that offered more than theory, sharing authentic viewpoints on the challenges faced by neurodiverse young people in education and offering practical advice for educators. Alongside this, the challenge remains to provide skilled employment opportunities where neurodiverse individuals can utilise their talents in supportive settings.
The Project: 'Just Ask Me' - Authentic Storytelling
SENDCode, an agency specialising in neurodiverse talent within creative industries, produced the 'Just Ask Me' series for GMAC. The concept was direct: six short films featuring young neurodiverse actors delivering scripts based on their own school experiences, frustrations, and constructive suggestions for teachers. Each film addressed a different theme, with actors presenting monologues directly to camera in a studio setting.
The project was managed, filmed, and edited by SENDCode's neurodiverse team (permanent staff and freelancers), with scriptwriting and direction also handled by neurodiverse creatives. This fostered a shared understanding throughout production, ensuring authenticity both behind and in front of the camera.
The Collaboration: Integrating Talent through Supported Internship
Seeing the project's potential for skills development, SENDCode partnered with DISC to host a Supported Intern. DISC prepares and supports young people with additional needs into employment. This collaboration provided an opportunity for an aspiring neurodiverse individual to gain practical experience in a professional media environment suited to their abilities.
Focus on the Supported Intern: Maximus
Maximus, participating in DISC's Supported Internship programme, joined the SENDCode team for the 'Just Ask Me' project. His roles were varied, including tasks as both a Production Assistant and a trainee Video Editor.
On set, Maximus showed close attention to detail and was adept at spotting potential problems. For instance, he helped significantly in identifying and resolving an issue with a faulty microphone, preventing delays and maintaining audio quality. In the edit suite, Maximus learned new editing skills quickly, successfully adapting an existing template to create the fifth film in the series, showing technical skill and efficiency.
The SENDCode environment contributed to Maximus' success. Support was integrated into the workflow; staff prepared Maximus for each filming day and sought his input on his workflow to ensure a productive experience. Ezra Rushen, Creative Director of SENDCode, noted, "We appreciated his attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and calmness, which on a busy production floor is a welcome quality."
Support from DISC was coordinated by a dedicated Job Coach. Before Maximus began his placement, the Job Coach liaised with SENDCode staff, sharing information about Maximus' work preferences and any adjustments needed to help him perform at his best. Once Maximus started, the Job Coach worked with him to understand the video editing brief and provided ongoing support as required. Mentorship within SENDCode was also available from Dillon Carroll, a former DISC intern now employed by the agency. Dillon commented, "I like how he listens really well and just gets on with his work, and he is nice to have around."
This combined support and practical experience allowed Maximus to develop his skills considerably. He gained experience in post-production techniques like colour grading and audio mixing, alongside developing workplace abilities such as problem-solving and teamwork within a professional project context.
Outcomes and Value
This project delivered significant value for all organisations involved:
The Greater Manchester Autism Consortium (GMAC): Received 'Just Ask Me', an authentic and well-received series of training films, created by the neurodiverse community for educators and students. The client, Emma Roberts, said:
"I was made to feel welcome. I felt relaxed on set. I definitely felt like the level of professionalism being invested in the project came across, and I certainly felt like everybody was working as a team. I could see that people really felt passionate about the project. I particularly appreciated that the members of the SENDCode were supportive and sensitive to the actors who were also neurodivergent and were coming into a space to work with a brand new team. So it was just such a positive experience, we are extremely happy with the final results."
- SENDCode Agency: Delivered this project successfully, building their reputation for neurodiversity-led creative production. They strengthened relationships with GMAC and DISC and provided paid work for neurodiverse creatives. They identified Maximus as a talented potential employee, recognising his contribution.
- DISC: Saw a supported intern succeed in a professional environment. Maximus progress provides clear evidence of the programme's effectiveness in preparing young people for skilled careers and shows the value of partnerships with inclusive employers like SENDCode. Maximus mentorship by a previous DISC intern illustrates the programme's long-term benefits.
- Maximus (The DISC Supported Intern): Gained industry experience, developed technical skills (colour grading, audio mixing) and soft skills, built professional connections, increased his confidence, and contributed to an important project. This placement improved his employment prospects.
- From Intern to Freelancer: Nurturing Talent Beyond Placement
The 'Just Ask Me' project also highlights SENDCode's commitment to nurturing talent discovered through its partnership with DISC. James, who attended DISC from September 2023 to July 2024, chose to continue his studies on a two-year Media course at a local college, seeking different social opportunities alongside his learning. Recognising James's skills during his time at DISC – particularly his aptitude for video production, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn – SENDCode maintained contact as promised. When the 'Just Ask Me' project arose, they offered him paid freelance work starting in December 2024, fitting around his ongoing college studies.
Taking on the role of Lead Cinematographer for the series, James was responsible for camera operation, shaping the lighting, and composing the shots for the actors' monologues. He communicated effectively on set and established a good working relationship with current intern Maximus. James shared that he has enjoyed working for SENDCode, appreciating the chance "to earn doing what he loves while continuing to study his passion."
Caroline Dean, Head of College at DISC, expressed pride in James's journey: "We are incredibly proud to see James now working with SENDCode. It shows that his time at DISC helped develop his technical skills, and it's great that James is keen to bring his experience back to benefit the College and SENDCode." James's success demonstrates a pathway from supported learning into professional creative work, enriching SENDCode’s talent pool with skilled neurodiverse freelancers.
- Authentic Scripting: The film scripts, from a neurodiverse writer, captured nuances of experience with clarity and relatability, ensuring the core message connected with the audience and the young actors.
- The Young Neurodiverse Actors: Were able to share their stories authentically, developing performance skills while contributing to improved understanding in schools, using scripts reflecting their experiences.
- Emerging Talent Development (Direction): The project offered a professional opportunity for the neurodiverse university film student director, who guided the actors and crew effectively, gaining practical experience in an industry-standard setting.
Conclusion
The 'Just Ask Me' film series demonstrates the benefit of collaboration and authentic representation. Assigning the production to neurodiverse talent at every stage – from actors to crew, including the contributions of DISC's Supported Intern, Maximus – achieved results that were well-received by the client, GMAC. It serves as a model for creating effective content while simultaneously creating inclusive employment pathways and developing future neurodiverse creative professionals like Maximus.
Watch and share the complete series of ‘Just Ask Me’ videos.
