Autism Spectrum Disorder is different for everyone but can cover a range of conditions including problems with social skills, repetitive behaviour, speech and nonverbal communication.

In the opening of the documentary we join Sib at Birmingham’s New Street train station and are immediately thrown into the confusing world that he can sometime face.

With bright lights and loud noises becoming overwhelming, Sib explains how stressful this can be and how it makes it difficult for those with autism to navigate around.

The handheld style of filming really gives the audience a sense of confusion as we follow Sib first one way then another as the sensory overload becomes part of the film’s construction.

The film is accompanied by Sib’s own voiceover which also helps explain some of the common traits. Spatial awareness can be an issue and the city’s heightened noise levels can affect familiarity, making information difficult to process.

As we follow Sib into the streets, he continues to identify the issues faced by those with autism in busy towns. But interestingly, in addition to those specific concerns, some of the accessibility problems in Birmingham that Sib highlights are not just a danger to those who are differently abled. 

A particular corner without an appropriate pedestrian path, combined with the added issues of cars, people and trams, is rightly considered a danger to the public. And Sib’s campaigning with this film will hopefully have an impact for all people.

The documentary continues with raw footage from a University of Salford Disability Conference discussion followed by an interview with Sib on a train to Crewe. 

Sib mentions how good friends are vital in these tough situations and he also highlights the better layout of the new Kings Cross station in London.

On the technical side, it’s a little rough around the edges and certainly very homemade. The interview on a train is simply one static shot for a full 10 minutes without cutting away. However, it is an illuminating conversation giving background to Sib and his other community work.

Sib is very clear speaking, and provides much needed clarity on the condition and the realities faced by those with autism. 

The film is comprehensive but a little overlong – we either get interviews or a voiceover and handheld coverage of Sib walking around – which isn’t always the best method to showcase the significance of some of the issues.

But it’s the message that’s the most important thing here and that is provided by Sib in his good-natured, friendly and very precise delivery covering his concerns.

Ending with the problems faced with job applications and recruitment in general, Sib highlights the ongoing barriers he and others face. And he mentions his “lifelong dream to work in TV”. Well, here is a great start on that journey and hopefully it not only opens up a discussion on this incredibly important topic, but also opens the right doors for Sib to take the next step in his filmmaking career.

You can watch the film here: https://boon.tv/sib/my-life-on-camera-feature-film

Please also visit the National Autistic Society website for more help and advice.