Wednesday June 11th 5:15 PM

Meet Charlotte Mallard

Writer & Director of "Whales in the Sky"

Charlotte will share her journey of a late Autism diagnosis to working on her animated short film "Whales in the Sky". 

Why This Film is Vital

Autistic individuals, especially those diagnosed later in life, face significant mental health challenges due to years of navigating a world that wasn’t built for them. Studies show that up to 70% of autistic individuals experience anxiety or depression, and those who remain undiagnosed often struggle even more, internalizing their differences without understanding why.

One of the most alarming realities is the increased risk of suicide among autistic individuals. Research has found that autistic adults are three times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. 

Even more concerning, autistic individuals without an intellectual disability are nine times more likely to die by suicide than their neurotypical peers. Many of these individuals go undiagnosed well into adulthood, meaning they spend decades feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and misunderstood without access to the support they need.

Whales in the Sky exists to shed light on these realities through the power of storytelling. By visually representing the internal struggles, emotional depths, and beautiful possibilities self-acceptance for a late-diagnosed autistic individual, the film serves as a tool for both education and healing.