EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University will host a screening of  “In a Different Key: A True Story of Love, Autism, and the Fight to Belong” for the EMU and Ypsilanti community at the EMU Student Center Auditorium, 900 Oakwood Street. The screening will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2. The free public event aims to educate and increase awareness of autism in the community.

“I expect attendees to walk away from the screening with new understandings of the history of autism, the nuances and complexity of autism and neurodiversity, and the importance of community and a sense of belonging,” said Leslie Blome,  assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at EMU.

Blome collaborated with faculty and students on this initiative, representing the following departments: communication sciences and disorders, special education, and occupational therapy.

The movie was inspired by journalists Caren Zucker and Jon Donvan’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, which shares the same name. The storyline follows Zucker’s personal experience as she navigates her son’s autism diagnosis. The documentary delves into the history of autism and portrays the stories of people with autism with honesty and compassion, exploring their needs and their gifts. Those who view the film are offered an inspiring and candid portrayal of autism that sparks honest conversations and promotes an understanding of autism’s importance in the community.

A panel discussion about autism and belonging, featuring young adults who identify as autistic or neurodiverse, will follow the screening. Panelists will share their stories and experiences with attendees.

The collaborative screening's community partner is Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, a public mental health agency providing services to all individuals in Washtenaw County. A small grant contribution from the EMU Engage Office of Service Learning made the event possible.

EMU students may attend the event for LBC credit.

For more information about the screening event, contact Leslie Blome at lblome@emich.edu. 
 

About Eastern Michigan University 
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.