Conversations with children on the autism spectrum
series premise
An autistic creator talks to children on the spectrum in search of understanding of what autism really is. The recordings of their conversations create a wealth of mini-stories that are animated and presented by its creator, who voices Percy the creature.
Participants
Percy Michael Jayden Alec
Everyone with autism has a story to tell, and those stories could quickly change the world for the better. We will use real interviews of autistic children, combined with unique and spontaneous character designs and fantastic worlds, so as to engage young audiences in a positive awareness of the autism spectrum.
Percy the Anthropomorphic Creature
Percy is a little blue anthropomorphic creature who is learning about people. Behind Percy's story, we understand Diego's story. He is authentic, innocent, and direct. He does not know a perspective different from what he knows. His questions are genuine, and his conversations with children have the view of a person with this condition, without making the child feel different.
Diego Raf Diaz
Co-Creator and Animator
I was born in 1993. I was diagnosed with autism at an early age. During my childhood, my mother showed me many videos, most of which were animated cartoons. As I continued to watch these videos, I saw their characters as my only true friends. This, combined with my childhood love of drawing, is what led me down the path of animation.
Rodrigo Gomez
Co-Creator and Producer
Rodrigo Gomez Claros is a Hispanic author, artist, and animator from Colombia. He worked at Fisher Price, Inc. for fourteen years as a producer and as a director of animated content for children. He is currently Assistant Professor of Animation at Middle Tennessee State University.