Pasadena Convention Center
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Autism in Entertainment (She/Her)

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Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can (and do) contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, TV, social media, and video games. The AIE mission is to drive employment in entertainment-related careers. On 4/5/24, the AIE Workgroup hosted a 1-day, in-person event at the Skirball Cultural Center in LA. The goal was employment expansion for interested, experienced individuals on the autism spectrum. The gathering united dozens of employers and approximately 250 potential employees on-site for a full day of networking, panels, and educational sessions. Host orgs were/are Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) in collaboration with the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, plus support from Zavikon (employment agency that places neurodivergent and disabled individuals in meaningful jobs). The pursuit continues! Judi Uttal is AIE Founder and longtime OCASG President. Veteran animation producer/creative exec Marlene Sharp serves as AIE & OCASG point person for community outreach, PR, marketing & special projects.

PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

Peaking & Peeking: A Look at Autism in Animation

Room 207 | Autism in Entertainment | Britton Payne | Erica Milsom | Dani Bowman | Rob Kutner | Marlene Sharp | Niya Wright

Because Autism in Entertainment so thoroughly enjoyed the 2025 LBX AIE GENERATIONS panel experience and its overwhelmingly positive response(s) – such as hundreds of thousands of views/comments/claps on our corresponding social posts – we’re back with part 2! In multiple ways, present day is *peak* time for autism in animation. At 2026 LBX, we will discuss – and *peek* at – current animated projects that involve autistic talent. This stellar gathering will screen animated video clips and elaborate on employment of neurodivergent talent in key roles – such as voice actors, storyboard artists, character and background designers, color stylists, editors, writers, and more – on their projects, respectively. The speakers also will answer audience questions.

Skill Level: General Audience

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