Jordan’s World is a documentary & social impact campaign that aims to bring awareness, understanding and inclusion for Australian individuals & families living with profound autism.
We want an Australia where Profound Autism is clearly defined, acknowledged, and understood, laying the foundation for tailored support across government, education, and industry.
Through awareness and advocacy, we will strive for a future where individuals and families living with Profound Autism are seen & supported.
Documentary
Jordan’s World is a character-driven documentary following Kerry-Ann Morrell & her 24-year-old son Jordan, whose autism requires lifelong support.
Drawing on decades of family archive alongside present-day filming, it explores the lived experience of supporting an adult with profound autism while contributing to a growing national and international conversation about lifelong care.
The film brings attention to the realities faced by families navigating complex systems while planning for the future of loved ones who will require care across their entire lives.
Jordan’s World asks a critical question:
If families are carrying the responsibility of lifelong care alone, can we do better; and why wouldn’t we?
Proof of concept
Draft Trailer highlighting the need for clearer understanding of profound autism.
Early story assemblies combining interviews, family archive & observational footage showcasing the two major storylines: Jordan & Profound Autism.
Expert interview compiles with leaders in autism advocacy & research, including:
Autism Awareness Australia
Nicole Rogerson
Profound Autism Alliance (USA)
Interview compile – Judith Ursitti
Additional interview material will be released online as educational & community resources to support broader awareness & engagement.
Development of the film with the support of the Thyne Reid Foundation, enabling early story development and editing.
Story & Impact
The documentary interweaves:
- The personal lifetime story of Jordan and the Morrell family
- Emerging international recognition of profound autism
- The growing Australian conversation around lifelong care and support for those living with Profound Autism
- Families advocating for systemic change
Through this approach, Jordan’s World aims to deepen public understanding of the challenges families face and contribute to constructive conversations about how societies support individuals with complex needs across their entire lives.
Documentary Next Steps
Production
Early story assemblies combining interviews, family archive & observational footage showcasing the two major storylines: Jordan & Profound Autism.
USA Travel & Filming
Early story assemblies combining interviews, family archive & observational footage showcasing the two major storylines: Jordan & Profound Autism.
Post Production
Early story assemblies combining interviews, family archive & observational footage showcasing the two major storylines: Jordan & Profound Autism.
Next Stage Filming
Next stage filming is planned in Australia and the United States in June–July 2026.
Filming will include:
- Following Jordan is his daily routines
- Advocacy training with families and policymakers in Washington DC at the NCSA (National Council on Severe Autism), Authentic Awareness Autism Assembly. This involves:
- Advocacy training.
- A ‘Day on the Hill’ meeting with US Senators on Capitol Hill.
- Community Fun Day at the Smithsonian National Zoo with other families and their loved ones with Profound Autism.
- Interview with Jill Escher, President of the National Council on Severe Autism
- Interviews with researchers and advocates in Philadelphia
- Professor Amy Lutz (University of Pennsylvania) and her son Jonah (who has profound autism)
- Visit Jondah’s day program PAAL (Preparing Adolescents and Adults for Life)
- Filming with the Profound Autism Alliance in Boston
- Judith & Jack Urisitti
These visits will document how families and researchers internationally are working to improve recognition and support for individuals with profound autism
Campaign & Awareness
Additional interview material will be released online as educational & community resources to support broader awareness and engagement.
Our Impact Partners
Autism Gold Coast provides services and support to over 600 families with a family member on the Autism Spectrum across the Gold Coast.
Autism Gold Coast is our local impact partner and supports this project, seeing its potential to be beneficial to the autism community.
They will support the distribution of the documentary and associated impact materials, helping to amplify the campaign through their established networks, digital platforms, and community outreach
Autism Awareness Australia was founded in 2007 with one simple goal: to improve the lives of all Australians on the autism spectrum and the families who love them.
Autism Awareness Australia, is our lead impact partner, they will provide expert guidance and feedback to ensure accurate and respectful representation of autism throughout the film.
Our Team – Key Creatives
Bringing Jordan’s World to life requires a team with both a personal connection and professional expertise. A team that combines passion, skill, and lived expertise to navigate Jordan’s story with care, creating a film that is both powerful and necessary.
Kerry-Ann Morrell
Jude Kalman
Carrie Greenbank
Jordan’s Mum + Interpreter
Director
Documentarian
Senior Editor
Co-Director
Producer
Cinematographer
Senior Editor
Writer
Researcher
Media Advisor
Experienced film editor with a personal tie to the subject matter, ensuring authenticity and emotional depth.
Award-winning independent filmmaker and owner and operator of Little Drum Pictures, bringing expertise in social impact storytelling.
Award-winning foreign correspondent with 16 years of experience in TV production, contributing scriptwriting and presentation expertise.
Hillary Stubbs
Dr. Tersia Erasmus
Mark Drilling
Technical Advisor
Autism Consultant
Technical Advisor
Medical Consultant
Music COmposer
With a background in Autism Facilitation and Equine-Assisted Learning, Hillary has worked with and has known Jordan for eighteen years, providing support and insight into his daily life. Her experience ensures an accurate and informed representation of lived experience in the film.
Jordan’s General Practitioner (doctor) and close friend for 15 years. As a mother to a 21-year-old son with severe autism, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the project.
A skilled musician and composer with a son on the autism spectrum, creating a deeply resonant score.
Why Now?
The Australian Federal Government’s National Autism Strategy 2025-2031 has identified IMPROVED REPRESENTATION as a critical priority, aiming to foster inclusion, acceptance, and a better quality of life.
290,000+
people in Australia are diagnosed with autism
73% of those have severe or profound limitations
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022
Now is the time to seek out an acknowledgement and definition of profound autism across government, education and industry to ensure families do not continue to face challenges in isolation, limited representation, and appropriate support.
How can YOU make profound change?
We are proud to announce that you can contribute financially to seeing this story told via the Documentary Australia platform.
Documentary Australia is a unique not-for-profit that supports powerful stories for social change. Since 2008, they have supported hundreds of filmmakers to tell important stories through documentary across seven key areas: Environment, Health & Wellbeing, Human Rights & Social Justice, Women & Girls, Indigenous, Youth & Education and The Arts.
They provide approved projects with access to our Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, allowing independent filmmakers to access philanthropic funding and enabling donors to tax effectively support the issues they care about.
Funding Required
Fundraising Plan
Stage 2 Production Budget: $164,450
Funding will support:
- Pre-production and planning
- Filming in Australia and the United States
- Observational filming with families and experts
- Production of the feature documentary (60 minutes)
- Supporting short-form digital content to broaden community engagement
Significant development work and production preparation has already been contributed in-kind by the filmmaking team and production partners Storylight Pictures and Little Drum Pictures.
Funding applications are planned with:
- Shark Island Foundation
- Ian Potter Foundation
- Myer Foundation
- Sidney Myer Fund
- Snow Foundation
- Screenrights Cultural Fund
A philanthropic fundraising event is also being planned on the Gold Coast, hosted by Chloe Maxwell and Matt Rogers, to introduce the project to supporters and potential donors. The event will include a presentation of the film, a conversation with the filmmakers, and an opportunity to support completion of the project.
Target Audience
Offering representation and validation for those navigating similar experiences – rallying the community to support change.
Providing valuable insights into the lived experience of severe autism, fostering better support and understanding (impact strategy to be further developed).
Highlighting systemic barriers within disability support services, to influence meaningful change (impact strategy to be further developed).
Broad Appeal:
This documentary is designed to resonate with a wide audience by exploring universal themes of love, resilience, and the fight for inclusion.
Through Jordan’s unique perspective, viewers gain an intimate understanding of the daily realities of profound autism, challenging stereotypes and fostering greater awareness.
Distribution
Jordan’s World – the film, is positioned for wide domestic and international distribution across a range of accessible platforms, ensuring the story reaches both mainstream and targeted audiences.
Broadcast Networks
- Australia: SBS
- International (including U.S.): Targeting aligned broadcasters such as PBS (Public Broadcasting Service, IFC (Independent Film Channel), and other networks with a strong focus on social issue documentaries.
Streaming Platforms
- DocPlay: A dedicated platform for documentary content.
- YouTube: Select advocacy and impact content will be published in partnership with impact partners like Autism Gold Coast.
- Jordan’s World Website: A standalone online hub will be developed to host the full film, supplementary content, resources, and engagement tools—allowing direct access for families, educators, health professionals, and advocates.
Digital Marketing
Promotional and educational content will be distributed across a range of digital channels to maximise reach and engagement. These include social media platforms, targeted email campaigns, newsletters, and a dedicated project website optimised for search visibility.
Autism Gold Coast will support and amplify distribution through their established networks and platforms.
A dedicated website will host the documentary, resources, and calls-to-action, supported by a strong SEO strategy to drive organic traffic and visibility.
Multi-platform strategy across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, featuring curated content including teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, advocacy messages, and community engagement assets.
This multi-channel strategy ensures broad reach while maintaining direct connection with community and sector-specific audiences.
Outreach Promotion
Promotion
Key Activities
Promote the documentary & screening on broadcast channels.
Estimated 1 month scope of work
Creating compelling promotional assets, and leveraging digital platforms to maximize the film’s reach and impact.
Promotional assets will lobby the government – for an acknowledgement and clear definition of “Profound Autism” in Australia
Distribution via impact partner Autism Gold Coast will promote and represent better inclusion and lobby for better support systems for individuals and families living with Profound Autism
Promotional Assets:
- Teaser / Trailer
- Cutdowns for social media
- EPK
- Hero stills photography + graphic design
Website and Social Media Pages for the film:
- Domain Name
- Website / SEO
- Digital Advertising
- PR – releases
- Social Media Platforms: Hubspot + Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, TikTok
Outreach Education
Education
Key Activities
Create educational material & advocacy resources for impact partners.
Estimated 1 month scope of work
Repurpose feature-length documentary ‘Jordan’s World’.
- Edit educational cutdowns
- Edit advocacy cutdown stories
- Screenings across Australia with local Autism groups and or providers:, e.g. Autism Gold Coast