The next Autism-friendly meetup will take place at 11 am on Saturday, 28 September, lasting no longer than 90 minutes. Please feel free to show up at any time between 11-12. This club is effectively a book club but for film, so the idea is to watch a pre-agreed film in your own time before discussing (the themes, the characters etc.) at the group.

This time around, two films will be up for discussion, both with the shared narrative focus on relationship forming between autistic adults. One is a feature film, the other a short. Combined runtime of both is 83 minutes.

The first is AUTISM IN LOVE (2015), a moving, perceptive documentary following a quartet of adults on the autism spectrum in varying stages of their romantic journeys – from seeking a perfect match to the highs and lows of married life. For a taster, here’s the trailer:

The second is the short film SILENT THINGS (2010), the story of a tender friendship between an autistic man and woman which comes under a threat from an impetuous teenager. Stars Andrew Scott (Moriarty in Sherlock) and Antonia Campbell-Hughes (Bright Star). This film will likely also be shown during the meetup.

AUTISM IN LOVE (71 mins) is freely available to watch on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eFa8Sk_SWo

SILENT THINGS (12 mins) can be safely viewed on the platform Vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/37100302

Issues relating to anxiety and sensory concerns will be considered. Again, people attending do not have to have a formal diagnosis, they may have self-diagnosed or simply suspect themselves of being Autistic.

Again, if you would like to take a friend, partner or facilitator as +1 that’s perfectly A okay, so long as they respect and support the aims of the group. As always, the meetup will take place in the café/bar area of Deptford Cinema (39 Deptford Broadway).

So, come on down if you can, free tea, coffee, cake and biscuits provided!