In a Different Key John Donvan Karen Zucker promo

EPISODE 67
“In a Different Key”: A Discussion with John Donvan and Caren Zucker about their autism documentary

Play the Episode…

Show Notes

Inspired by their NY Times best selling book, John Donovan and Caren Zucker discuss their mission in producing their film, “In a Different Key”. Their engaging film includes an historic perspective built around the life of Donald Triplett, the first autistic child diagnosed by Leo Kanner, as well as many profiles and voices of autistic people sharing their experiences and challenges.

Featuring

John Donvan
Caren Zucker

John Donvan & Caren Zucker

Emmy-winning co-directors Caren Zucker and John Donvan each has personal connections to autism. Their work on the topic over a quarter century has appeared on ABC News, PBS, and in The Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and Tablet. Their New York Times bestseller, also titled “In a Different Key,” was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Link to “In a Different Key”, the Movie
Follow John Donvan:
Twitter – Linked In
Follow Caren Zucker on Linked In

…and Continue the Discussion

Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide to facilitate a conversation about this episode.

1) What myths or misconceptions about autism do John and Caren believe are still persistent and ones they attempt to debunk in their film? Do you experience any other additional misunderstandings that are barriers to full acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals?

2) The importance of community is an important theme of their film and is discussed in this episode. How do John and Caren define its importance and how do they and you believe we can create communities of support and understanding?

3) John mentions their concept of “citizens”, or those who may not be involved directly with autistic people or those with little knowledge about autism. What strategies do they say they implement in their film to reach the general public without “scolding” others? Do you see similar approaches working in your personal experience?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Music

Matt Savage, courtesy of Savage Records

Matt Savage is an autistic jazz musician, composer, and bandleader. Matt has collaborated with jazz greats like Chick Corea, the Ellington All Stars, Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Clark Terry, Jimmy Heath, Jason Moran, Arturo O’Farrill, John Pizzarelli, Joshua Redman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Jon Faddis, Jerry Bergonzi. Donny McCaslin, and more. He has recorded more than a dozen records and graciously contributes the music for Uniquely Human.

Production and Sound Design

ELEVATEDSTUDIO

Uniquely Human: The Podcast is produced, engineered, and edited by Elevated Studio in Denver, Colorado. Owned and operated by co-host Dave Finch, Elevated Studio produces digital media assets and content strategies for the electronics, entertainment, and lifestyle industries.