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Loop
Overview
On April 24, 2020 (PT), Pixar published a behind-the-scenes Q&A stating Loop “breaks new ground” with Pixar’s first non-verbal autistic character (The Walt Disney Company newsroom). The director, Erica Milsom, cites “Nothing about us without us” and says Loop used autistic voice talent, Madison Bandy, recorded in her home for comfort (same source). Pixar also brought in Autistic Self Advocacy Network consultants (same source). Lesson: representation improves when autistic people shape production decisions.
Why it matters
Media often frames autism as a deficit or a problem to “fix,” which reinforces stigma and social exclusion. Loop models a different mechanism: show communication mismatch as a shared challenge, then center respect, patience, and connection (Pixar Q&A). The benefit can be cultural: children and adults get a clearer template for acceptance and interaction. If you build inclusive media or experiences, involve the impacted community early, hire authentically, and align story craft with lived reality rather than stereotypes.
Learn more
- About ASAN - Autistic Self Advocacy Network - https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/
- Autism - Sesame Workshop - https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/autism/
- Welcoming Autism Into The World of Pixar - https://thinkingautismguide.com/2021/02/welcoming-autism-into-pixar-world.html
- Autism Spectrum Disorder - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
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