About this Short Film
Autism is my Superpower (St George College, Australia, 2024) invites viewers to consider autism through a strengths-based lens. Rather than telling a fixed story, the film reflects on themes of ability, perception and motivation, while touching on family, school life, music and the challenges of stigma and prejudice. It speaks to the realities of bullying and stereotypes, and to the value of special interests, work experience and community support. Clear, honest and humane, this short sits comfortably within the Focus on Ability program, showcasing the achievements and perspectives of people with disability and prompting audience members to rethink assumptions about difference and talent.
Film Details
Country:
Australia
State:
South Australia
Category:
School Documentaries
Genre:
Personal Story
Festival Year:
2024
Filmmaker:
St George College
Film Transcript
Hi, my name is Sakura Sprat and I live with my mum, my brother Alexander, my dog, Dixie, and my cat Sully. I visit my dad every second weekend. I go to St George College and I'm currently in Year 12.
I just want to let you know that autism is a disability that I have, but this doesn't mean that I can't do things that I want to do. People with autism just have different challenges. They are capable of opening up a whole new door in the world. My passions are trains, cats, social justice, family, swimming and watching media such as YouTube. My favourite thing to do is play with Sully and go on my computer and watch YouTube.
I have been learning the euphonium for eight years with Just Brass, which looks like a tuba. A euphonium is a brass wind instrument that requires complex technique. I do lessons twice a week and have performed in three of the Festival of Music programs in choir.
In 2019 I moved to St George College, where my mother works as a teacher. The school gave me the support that I needed to complete Year 12 safely and successfully. This includes work experience at the café, a hospitality training certificate and attending the gym. I completed a hospitality course as part of my SA and I learned skills and techniques such as how to make coffee, cook basic meals and desserts, HTS, and hygiene and cleaning. In Year 12 I am doing work experience twice per week in the college's Cera Cafe.
I am also connected to my cultural heritage: Greek. My mum's parents migrated from Cambia on the island of HS. They brought their values, customs and traditions over to Australia. Our Greek identity is a big part of who we are and I regularly go to the Church of St Nectarios. My identity also comes from my dad. He was born in Australia but his parents were born in Ireland and Germany and they both migrated to Australia.
For me, research shows that people with autism are substantially more likely to be bullied by those with no special educational needs and disabilities. When I was a child I went to primary school where I was bullied by other children who were ignorant of difference. It impacted my relationship with loved ones and my well-being. Bullying is a social problem, but I stood up for myself, practised being assertive and managed my emotions through deep breaths, walking away from the conflict, using polite words and raising the issue with the teachers.
I hope that in the future I can continue to make new friends and learn to be more independent. One day I want to do a course and become a cat veterinary assistant because I am known as the Cat Whisperer. I look forward to a future where I can work with cats, travel to Greece and spend time with my family. As time has gone on, I realise that I can be in control of my emotions, self-regulation and the way I respond to people.
I realise that no matter how much adversity we face in our life, our mindset can help us overcome these and achieve our goals. There are some advantages to autism, such as attention to detail, passion in our work, the ability to live in the now and the ability to teach others about autism. The problem is sometimes people define me by my disability, but I am much more than a diagnosis. Some people have prejudices against people with autism. I have strengths, personality, dreams and hope, and I am embracing my autism and my abilities.
[Music]
Filmmaker
St George College is the filmmaker behind this entry. See every Focus on Ability entry from St George College.
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31 comments
Loved the insight you have us Stellios. May all your hopes and dreams come true.
Wow Stelio that was fantastic I loved it Youre amazing Bravo x
Wow Stelios this is awesome Youve definitely got my vote.
Well done Stelios you are truly an inspiration to many and when i grow up I want to be as strong as you mate
Well done Stelios You are truly a gifted young man. God bless you always
Stelios you are a gifted young man and an inspiration to all. Bravo.
Congratulations Stelios. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Well done Stelios you are so brave to share your journey it was very informative and beautifully presented. What a fantastic role model. You have my vote
Amazing work Stelios You definitely have my vote
What a fantastic film Stelios Well done
Such an inspiring video Stelios Well done
Congratulations Stelios on a fabulous presentation Very informative and well presented
Congratulations Stelios on a fabulous presentation Very informative and well presented
Well done Stelios Youve got my vote.
What a wonderful film. You have done an amazing job It is such a joy to know you and watch how readily you embrace life.
Nice informative video. You have many talents. All the best
Totally absorbing video well done. Your execution and the overall presentation and camera work was excellent
Bravo Stelio I was very moved viewing your video. Your story is very informative and inspirational
Excellent information session and very well executed
Stelios this is superb You are such a gifted young man and your narrating is another superpower of yours. I was engaged the whole way through Live this x
Stellios wow that was absolutely beautiful you have achieved so much and keep on going you are such a insiration what a amazing young man
An amazing young man .. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us .. it was very inspiring.
This is absolutely amazing. Well done Stelios
How wonderful you are from that young child that was bullied to this inspiring man. Showing you have achieved so much more and ready to take on another journey Well Done
Wow such a positive and powerful story I loved it. Well done young Stelios. You have a gift. I wish you success in your future.. and working with cats sounds great
This was so informative and beautifully made. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all Stelios
Thank you for your documentary Stelios. You are a great role model for all showing your strength in character and values and inspiring others to be the best they can be.
Fabulous You had my undivided attention Stelios This short doco is so informative . Loved seeing your cat in the film And gosh you will make the best Vet assistant
What an inspiring young man
Love love loved it
This is informative entertaining and moving. Loved it Stelios