District to host conversation on neurodiversity

KENNETT SQUARE >> On Wednesday, February 22, the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) will become the first K-12 educational institution in the nation to host a screening of In a Different Key.

The documentary, which premiered on PBS in December, centers on co-director Caren Zucker’s search for the firstever child diagnosed with Autism, Donald Triplett. The film traces the growing friendship between the Mississippi-based Triplett and Zucker, who has an autistic son, as she grapples with the future for her child once she is gone.

According to KCSD Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey, all members of the Kennett community are encouraged to attend.

“As a District, we have made a commitment to showing every student that their journey to succeed in the world matters— including those who are on the spectrum. No two journeys look alike. And, as the old saying goes, it takes a village. Our staff are enlisting the support of every single alumni, family and friend to rally around our students and make sure they successfully reach their destinations.”

The screening begins at 6 p.m. in the Kennett High School Auditorium and will be followed by a Q&A moderated by co-directors Caren Zucker and John Donvan. They say that anyone who attends will gain a new perspective.

“For parents of kids who are newly diagnosed, this documentary will demonstrate that there is a community of people out there who know autism and can support each other,” said Donvan. “It also tells parents that society is becoming much more accepting of people who are different, including their kids.”

Zucker said neurotypical people also have lots to learn from those who are neurodivergent.

“When you are friends with someone on the spectrum, there’s no false pretense. You get what is, which is pretty rare,” she said.

Donvan added, “This educator that we know says if you really want to know human emotion, get to know somebody on the spectrum. Because when they like you, they just like you. And when they are happy, they are just happy. And when they are sad, they are just sad. And when they love you, they just really love you with no other agenda.”

Free movie theater-style snacks will be sponsored by the local Giant Food Store.

To register, visit https:// bit.ly/inadifferentkeykcsd.