Makayla Moving Autism
Social Impact | Community Design | ACD & DesignFROM CREATIVE EXPLORATION
TO COMMUNITY ACTION.
What started out as our BrightHouse Productions team documenting the life of Grammy-award winning producer, Khari “Needlz” Cain, as he traveled from Atlanta to Los Angeles to capture yet another award, turned into something much bigger. With full access to his personal life, the story evolved beyond music and into the importance of being there for his family, in particular, his daughter Makayla who had been diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a rare form of autism.
MOVING THE
NEEDLE ON AUTISM
We needed to better understand autism and the wide range of conditions that live on the Spectrum. What we found out was that unfortunately, autism does not affect everyone equally. The disparities in diagnosis that exists within the autism communities of color, are astounding. And, if our Purpose is to shine light in the world, it meant addressing these issues that go unnoticed.
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https://autismsciencefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CDC-Profound-Autism-Statistics_ASF-Copy.pdf
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female, from racial and ethnic minority groups; of low socioeconmic status; born preterm or with low birth weight; have self-injurious behaviors; have seizure disorders; and have lower adaptive scores.
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https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm-community-report/georgia.html
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https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/pdf/Key_Findings_508.pdf
A SOLUTION
ON WHEELS
With Needlz and his family at the helm, we officially launched a website that features our documentary and an ambitious GoFundMe fundraising campaign to raise $350,000 for the “Makayla Moving Autism” mobile experience. With investment from community partners, Makayla Moving Autism will be a fully customized tour bus offering clinical testing, therapeutic sessions along with educational resources and support each family and child dealing with autism deserves. On a scheduled basis, from the city of Atlanta to rural destinations throughout Georgia, it will be an invaluable resource to those who are underserved and often unaware as to what they could do to combat the challenges of autism. Visit makaylamovingautism.com to follow our journey.
The Story Continues . . .
What started as a movement to mobilize support for the underserved autism community has become a bigger dream. The Cain family created the Makayla Moving Austin Foundation, filmed an award-winning documentary on Makayla finding her voice, and continues raising money for a permanent Autism community center in Atlanta.
#MakaylaMovingAutism is the beginning to a way forward in making a difference. We plan to provide resources and funding for Atlanta's communities of color, offering clinical workshops, therapeutic and educational resources. Also, we'll provide both physical and virtual experiences that will allow these communities the chance to experience the impacts of the condition.
