SPELLERS + MULTIDISCIPLINARY PANEL DISCUSSION. 


FREE event but donations appreciated. Donations go to 

: Research & Education for Autistic Children's Treatment. 

 just won Best Documentary and Donor’s Choice Award at it’s premier at the Phoenix Film Festival and we believe this film is going to change the way the world perceives non-speaking individuals with autism which will lead practitioners, educators, and even families to re-evaluate expectations and therapeutic approaches of this complex, multifaceted disorder. 

The documentary SPELLERS pushes us to dig deeper, reflect on our own biases, and develop new and appropriate therapeutic approaches that best serve non-speaking individuals with autism and apraxia. It shows us that “assuming competence” leads to better outcomes and breakthroughs. 

• James Neuenschwander, M.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Neu) 

• Patricia Neuenschwander, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC

 A 2.5hrsCME/.25CEUnits (AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™) post-viewing discussion course is available for attendees of any SPELLERS screening by registering at: 

 (Viewing the SPELLERS documentary is a prerequisite for course offering.) 



Maija Hahn

Inspired by the book Underestimated, the new full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question, in convincing fashion, through the stories of eight nonspeakers—Aydan, Evan, Sid, Maddie, Jamie, Vince, Cade, and Elizabeth—who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As Jamie explains, “we think, feel, and learn just like everyone else.”

Inspired by the book Underestimated, the new full-length documentary SPELLERS challenges conventional wisdom regarding a group relegated to society’s margins: nonspeakers with autism, who most “experts” believe are cognitively disabled. 

As the film opening asks, “What if we’ve been wrong…about every single one of them?” SPELLERS answers that question, in convincing fashion, through the stories of eight nonspeakers—Aydan, Evan, Sid, Maddie, Jamie, Vince, Cade, and Elizabeth—who all found their voice through the miraculous process of using a letterboard to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As Jamie explains, “we think, feel, and learn just like everyone else.” 

SPELLERS

James Neuenschwander, M.D. 

Rachel Damrow, M.Ed

 Joel Troyer

Alyssa Miller, CCC-SLP

Patricia Neuenschwander, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC

James Lyons-Weiler, PhD

Attendees need to present ticket at welcome table at the front of the theater. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and get consignments. Film will start 3:15pm without delay so we have time for our Q & A panel after the film. 

We are looking for community sponsors so that we may open this screening up to a larger audience. Please contact Jamie @ (616) 633-4000 regarding sponsorship opportunities. Thank you. 

PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES. This film is changing lives. 