Little Lobbyists Families in the News: “Understanding Autism” on PBS (by Jeneva Stone)
Isra’El (l) & Rico (r) Winston. Father and son, they are two Black men wearing gray suit coats with Little Lobbyists t-shirts underneath. They stand on a street in Washington, DC.
This spring, PBS aired Understanding Autism, a documentary by filmmaker Scott Steindorff, who was diagnosed with autism as an adult. Steindorff wants to reframe the conversation about autism by focusing on the incredible talents and personalities of autistic people. The film is a rewarding and refreshing look at neurodiversity.
Little Lobbyists Isra’El Winston and his dad Rico were tapped to share their story. I wanted to know more about how they got involved, what they learned, and how this advocacy experience changed them.
You can watch Understanding Autism on the PBS website through May 2027.
How did you get involved with the film project?
Rico: Isra’El and I became involved with the film project through Dr. Rebecca Landa, Vice President of the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is also Founder and Director of
CASSI (Center for Autism Services Science and Innovation) at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
I was impressed by the positive way in which autism is presented in the film. Too often in mainstream media productions, disability is presented as tragic. What do you feel are the biggest positives about autism? And why?
Rico: I believe that the biggest positive for myself about autism is the fact that I have found my life‘s purpose and calling because my son has autism. I have grown to learn the significance of advocacy and accepting the individual differences in all individuals, and celebrating their individuality.
What was it like to work with the director, Scott Steindorff, who is autistic himself? What did you most appreciate about his approach?
Rico: One of the noteworthy facts is that Scott Steindorff himself is autistic. I truly appreciate that by him being autistic himself, he understands the challenges–whether it’s the mountain top highs or the valley lows–when it comes to autism acceptance and even self acceptance.
What were your favorite parts of the film? And what were your favorite parts of making the film?
Sneak Peek YouTube video for the film: Rico is hugging Isra'El. They are seated on a couch against a window. To view the entire film, click here.
Rico: My favorite part of the film was listening to the amazing journeys of each uniquely, individually designed and created participant. My favorite part of making the film was it provided us the opportunity to share our journey of love as we navigate, for myself, loving a child who has autism, and, for my son, navigating his own individual journey and self-awareness and celebrating his uniqueness.
Isra’El: My experience was a little uncomfortable. Talking about my experience made me a little sad. What I did like is that I realize that by me sharing what I have gone through, that will help other children.
One thing that was so different was the makeup artist preparing my face to be filmed.
What are the main takeaways you hope viewers will have after watching?
Rico: I hope that viewers’ hearts are touched by the strength and resilience and the love which the documentary shares: that each and every one of us deserves to be celebrated, regardless of our differences and our unique individuality, because, after all, that is exactly what makes each of us special.
Isra’El: I would want people that watch the documentary to understand that simply because people are different isn’t a bad thing, because we all are different, and because we all are different is a good thing, and that is what makes me special and everyone special.
Isra’El Santíago Winston is a Super Hero Advocate. Isra’El has over 8 years of experience in autism and disability advocacy. He initially began advocating for himself during his IEP team meetings at the age of 6. In partnership with his father, Isra’El began his journey advocating for children with disabilities and their families. Isra’El has participated in numerous radio, television and news networks interviews, including NPR, Baltimore Sun, HBO Cinemax Urban Action Showcase, PBS, ABC and Fox News. Isra’El enjoys horseback riding working on science projects, traveling, and most of all being a Super Hero Advocate!!
Rico Winston is the single parent of an amazing 14-year-old, Isra'El. His son, Isra'El, has a diagnosis of ASD. As Isra'El and Rico traveled together along their journey of love navigating life with autism, Rico discovered his life's purpose; to serve others with autism. He currently serves as a member on the Friends of CASSI family support group at the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI*™) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Rico also holds membership on the Scientific Advisory Board and Community Advisory Council with SPARK for Autism - Simons Foundation. He is a member of the Board of Directors for The Arc Baltimore, chairperson of The Arc Baltimore Governmental Affairs Committee, and board member for the PCORI NYU Science of Engagement Community Advisory Board. Rico is also a member of Little Lobbyists, a national organization advocating for children with complex medical needs and disabilities. He is a graduate of Maryland's Partners in Policymaking (2020), and serves as Director of Community Outreach at The City Ranch Inc., Baltimore, MD.
Jeneva Stone is the Little Lobbyists blog manager.