Welcome to Jordan’s World
Jordan’s World is the working title for a documentary currently in production that puts a spotlight on the difficulties and challenges of living with profound autism.
It aims to raise awareness of profound autism and get it clearly defined, acknowledged, and understood. It explores privately funded programs and services that have been started overseas and tackles the tough question: Can the system be improved to better serve the needs of these individuals and their families?
Jordan’s Mum, Kerry-Ann, is a professional editor and producer with a background in film and television. Jude Kalman is a skilled freelance editor and director. Other professionals are giving their time, and working relationships have been made with major Autism organisations across Australia and the US.
Thousands of hours have already been invested collating footage. A generous donation from the Thyne Reid Foundation helped fund a trip to the US to attend a Profound Autism Advocacy Symposium, tour several autism programs and facilities, and spend time with families of profoundly autistic adult individuals capturing “lived experience”, warts and all.
Many people want this film made – but film-making is expensive and time-consuming. We require financial support to get this project over the line.
If you would like to help us share this important story then please consider donating and/or passing this on to your friends. Every dollar makes a difference and we are very grateful. Donations are tax deductible.
Jordan’s Story
Approximately 1 in 100 Australians are diagnosed with autism. Among those diagnosed, about 25% have profound, severe autism, which significantly limits their ability to live independently. In 2021, the medical journal The Lancet published a report on future care and research in autism, highlighting that many of these individuals are not receiving the support they need.
Jordan’s World is an intimate and powerful feature documentary chronicling more than two decades in the life of Jordan, a young man with profound autism, whose remarkable mind is captivated by maps and car washes.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Jordan (now 25) and his family have navigated a tough journey of therapy programs, medication and an ongoing struggle to access essential support and services from a government system that simply doesn’t understand.
His mother, Kerry-Ann, sacrificed her career as a film editor to become Jordan’s full-time caregiver throughout childhood.
Now in adulthood, Jordan is embracing a milestone once thought impossible: independent living in assisted care.
Told through Jordan’s perspective and interpreted by his mother Kerry-Ann, this film uses deeply personal footage captured over two decades to provide an unfiltered look at the lived experience of profound autism.
Moving beyond clinical definitions to reveal the daily struggles of a family in crisis. you’ll witness their battles with schooling, the NDIS, COVID-19 lockdowns, and the countless daily obstacles Jordan faces in a world he finds confusing.
Blending storytelling interviews and archival footage, Jordan’s World is more than a personal story. It’s a call for greater understanding, inclusion, and systemic change.
The narrative emphasises Jordan’s close relationships with his parents and three younger siblings, alongside interviews with his teachers, friends, and family. Jordan has a keen interest in – and a savant-like ability – to remember dates and navigate street maps.
The footage includes Jordan as a toddler, extensive home therapy sessions, and trips to America for therapy and training. It captures years of home-schooling, the family’s relocation to the UK for three years of specialised education and their return to Australia. It highlights the challenges Jordan faced as he transitioned into adulthood.
Why are we making this film?
People with disabilities matter, and systems can do better.
- Perspective: Profound (or severe) autism is often misunderstood or misrepresented. This film offers the rare perspective of an authentic, lived experience that raises awareness about the realities faced by these individuals and families.
- Breaking Stereotypes: While autism is often associated with savant-like genius, this documentary seeks to break stereotypes and shed light on those who require full-time support, giving voice to families and a community rarely seen on screen.
- Empathy: At its core, this is a human story. It seeks not only to raise social awareness and understanding but also to resonate and connect with anyone going through the same adversity; to provide comfort, acknowledgement and support for anyone who is at the end of their tether and doesn’t know where to turn. We see you. We hear you.