AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective
A New Era of Inclusive Storytelling
Welcome to our AE-NCC webpage!
The Neurodivergent Creators Collective (AE-NCC) is a new neurodivergent-led initiative by Autism Empowerment that supports and amplifies the talents of autistic and neurodivergent creatives. Whether you’re into acting, screenwriting, digital media, filmmaking, podcasting, writing, music, game design, or storytelling for good, there’s a place for you here!
Our program intends to offer workshops, mentorship, and creative opportunities for aspiring adults and older teens to develop skills, connect with industry professionals, and bring their unique voices to life. Whether you’re interested in being in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or crafting compelling narratives for fiction, non-fiction, or disability advocacy, we’re here to empower and uplift neurodivergent creators and storytellers.
We’re building an inclusive community with mentorship, workshops, hands-on experiences, and professional development opportunities.
This page launched April 1st, 2025 (no fooling!) and is a work in progress. We are excited to develop the program based on input from our autistic and neurodivergent community members!
Who Can Join?
AE-NCC is open to autistic and neurodivergent adults and teens of all experience levels. Whether you’re just starting your journey or already have a portfolio, we’ll meet you where you are and help you grow your skills and confidence. Our mission is to elevate diverse voices and create a thriving space for collaboration, empowerment, and growth.
To learn more about the AE-NCC, we invite you to read our interview with program leaders Brian Tashima and Gwyn LaRee in the Spring 2025 edition of our publication Spectrum Life Magazine (pages 28 – 33), take our survey and watch the replay of our free kick-off meeting on Zoom from Saturday, April 26th, 2025!
- Acting and the business of Acting
- Animation / Cartooning
- Filmmaking
- Graphic Design
- Podcasting
- Music (Production and aspects of the business)
- Screenwriting (in film and tv), Playwriting (for stage) and Writing (fiction, and non-fiction)
- Storytelling for Good (creating stories with purpose to build the next generation of leaders around Storytelling and Disability Advocacy)
- Video Game Production
- Other topics based on community interest!
Ways to Get Involved
- 🎥 Take part in creative workshops and productions
- 🎙️ Join storytelling, podcasting, or screenwriting sessions
- 🤝 Apply to be a mentor, volunteer, or guest instructor
- 💛 Become a sponsor or donor
- → Join our Facebook Group
Creator Interest Survey
📋 Are you interested in becoming a part of the Neurodivergent Creators Collective? Let your voice be heard! Please fill out our no-obligation interest survey to share what excites you and how you’d like to be involved. The survey takes about 5 minutes to complete and allows you to share your creative interests!
Your input helps shape the Neurodivergent Creators Collective!
Virtual Launch Informational Event
Date: April 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM PDT
Missed our kickoff event on Zoom? No worries! You can watch the replay below! Connect with fellow creators, meet program leaders Brian Tashima and Gwyn LaRee, and help shape the future of AE-NCC.
Upcoming AE-NCC Workshops:
We’re excited to announce the first three workshops of the Neurodivergent Creators Collective!
These workshops are free to attend and will be offered in a hybrid format — meaning you can join us in-person at Stephen’s Place (501 SE Ellsworth Rd, Vancouver, WA 98664) or livestream via Zoom from wherever you are.
Whether you’re local or joining from afar, we welcome you to come learn, connect, and create with us!
Our First Workshop is coming up soon:
Location: Stephen’s Place, 501 SE Ellsworth Rd., Vancouver, WA 98664
🎬 Introduction to the Neurodivergent Creators Collective & Filmmaking
📅 Saturday, May 24th, 2025 – RSVP here (not required but extremely appreciated)
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time
🔗 Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82928036729
🎙️ Introduction to Voice Over & Podcasting
📅 Sunday, June 22nd, 2025
🕝 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Pacific Time
🔗 Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82788267340
✍️ Introduction to Independent Writing & Publishing
📅 Saturday, July 26th, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Pacific Time
🔗 Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89216833613
Additional Information:
✅ RSVPs are highly encouraged (especially for in-person attendance) but not required.
If you’re planning to attend in-person, letting us know ahead of time helps us with set-up, knowing how many study guides to print, and snack planning. (Yes, free snacks will be provided!)
✅ Livestream attendees can also click the Zoom link at the scheduled time.
We can’t wait to see you there!
To learn more, please email:
Program Leaders: Brian Tashima or Gwyn LaRee at brian@autismempowerment.org or gwyn@autismempowerment.org
Representation matters. Stories change lives.
Join AE-NCC and help us create a kinder, more inclusive world through the power of media and creativity.
Please feel free to share our page and the graphic below with friends and family!
