LPH40: Judi Uttal Talks About Autism, Advocacy, and Jobs in Entertainment

What happens when the services your child needs don’t exist yet? Judi Uttal faced that challenge when her son Josh was diagnosed with autism at age four. She reflects on the early challenges, including the lack of autism awareness and resources in the 1990s, and how her early advocacy, community support—including a pilot program in Irvine and later the Orange County Asperger Support Group—and determination helped Josh thrive in film production. Judi now runs the Orange County Asperger Support Group, helping teens and adults with level one autism improve their quality of life. She also founded the Autism in Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup, a California-based initiative that increases employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum in animation, film, and gaming. Through conferences, creator community meetings, and career resources, AIE connects autistic individuals with opportunities in the entertainment industry. Listen to her fascinating story!