Kumu Documentary: Neurotypes / Neurotyypit
Dir Maija Hirvonen
Finland 2024, 76 min
In Finnish and English, with Estonian and English subtitles
Introduction by Chairwoman of the Board of the Estonian Autism Society Marianne Kuzemtšenko.
Is it fair that some have to face hardship because of being different?
Aida, a child on the autism spectrum, decides to fix society’s structures that hinder her studies with the help of her caregiver mother, Johanna. The determined child challenges the existing norms to advance acceptance and equality. Political influencing takes time and energy. Can the daughter-mother duo change a society that only offers sympathy?
The singular voice of the star of Maija Hirvonen’s film reminds us that simplifications and stereotypes are not enough. It is time to listen to Aida: we neurodivergent people must be allowed to be just the way we are, with our different brains, challenges and strengths.
