About this Short Film
A Life Less Ordinary (Mahurangi College, New Zealand, 2024) offers a sensitive, human look at themes around autism and cognitive processing disability. This short film draws attention to communication, sensory differences and the everyday challenges young people face in school and social settings. It considers how perception, prejudice and stereotypes affect self esteem and friendships, and it also touches on support systems and interactions with health professionals. Presented as part of the Focus on Ability International Short Film Festival, the film adds a thoughtful voice to conversations about strengths, understanding and inclusion. A clear, compassionate piece for audiences interested in lived experience and change.
Film Details
Film Transcript
I first suspected Casper might be on the spectrum when his older brother was diagnosed with autism. I wasn't sure if it was autism but I felt there was something going on, and everyone I mentioned it to was dismissive of the idea. However, finally, when he was 17 months we first saw a paediatrician. I remember really clearly the paediatrician saying, "Casper's slightly advanced for his age so he can't be autistic."
When did you realise you were different to other kids?
It was when I used to live in Snow's Beach. That's when I realised I was different from other people.
We saw a paediatrician two more times before one finally did a formal test on Casper and he was diagnosed with autism just before he turned three. He was already in kindi and already had a teacher at kindi. He was a very busy boy. He struggled with M time or listening to stories and he didn't really have much speech at all. He could say "high" and "know" and that was about it.
What is autism to you?
Autism to me is I do things differently from other people. I have trouble talking to people.
That's one of the reasons right from the beginning it was obvious to me that Casper had a lot he wanted to say. He wanted to communicate with people, which was unlike his brother, so I never worried too much about his speech. Even when speech-language therapists mentioned that he was missing so many sounds and they were concerned, I just felt that he was going to be able to catch up.
What are your biggest strengths?
Running and gaming.
What do you wish people understood about you?
Not everything is easy for autistic kids. Some people think it would be good to be able to say it has his downsize as well.
What has been one of the happiest moments of your life so far?
Spending time with my family.
What are your dreams and goals for the future?
I don't know. For my dreams and goals in my future: maybe a bakery, or maybe I even become a scientist; that depends on the rest of the future.
Are there any routines or activities that help you feel calm or happy?
Gaming and listening to music keep me calm.
Primary school was pretty challenging for Casper; the gap between him and his peers got bigger. His language did improve but he never really formed proper friendships with anyone. When he started high school I was a little worried he was going to go into special education, for the first time part-time at least. I worried that that would be really strange for him, but actually it's been really good. Casper got to experience being successful in his learning. Sometimes, of course, there's still struggles for Casper, but sometimes he would be the best in his class at something and that was really good for his self-esteem.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Sometimes it may be usual. Sometimes I do cooking at school; sometimes I do science or maths.
Do you think your life is harder compared to other kids?
Depends what happens.
And what do you enjoy doing?
Playing video games, watching TV and playing Lego.
What are your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenges are writing, trying to make friends, reading and talking properly.
Casper's always loved Lego; that's always been a passion for him. Since starting high school he's been in robotics, he's done some archery, he plays golf now, he's made some friends and been invited to birthday parties. It's been really, really good for him and for his development.
Filmmaker
Mahurangi College is the filmmaker behind this entry. View their profile or browse all their films in the search.