Two-thirds of parents of children ages 6 and under say they have not had their child screened for autism. As we approach back-to-school season, Ad Council and Autism Speaks have released videos that serve as a reminder for parents to consider autism screening. The videos star Julia, a four-year-old Sesame Street Muppet with autism, and feature her adventures, showing audiences that the more her family and friends understand her world, the brighter she shines. Ultimately, the campaign helps parents understand the signs of autism and realize all the possibilities for children after a diagnosis.
BBDO New York and Sesame Street collaborated with Autism Speaks and the Ad Council on the campaign.
Credits
Client Autism Speaks/Ad Council Agency BBDO New York David Lubars, chief creative officer, worldwide; Greg Hahn, chief creative officer, NY; Matt MacDonald, executive creative director; Kevin Mulroy, Rob Danino, creative directors; David Rolfe, head of production; Julie Collins group executive producer; Becky Burkhard, executive producer; Sarah Knowlton, producer. Celebrity Talent Acquisition Sesame Street Studios Production Sesame Workshop, NY Melissa Dino, supervising producer; Sal Perez, sr. producer; Ashmou Younge, producer; Ken Diego, director; Amanda Young, sr. production manager; Jeff Turick, DP. Editorial NO6, NY Justin Quagliata, editor; Corina Denison, exec producer; Malia Rose, Laura Molinaro, producers; Jasmine McCullough, assistant editor. Color Company 3, NY Tim Masick, colorist; Kevin Breheny, sr. producer. Finishing NO6 Ed Rilli, confirm artist; Corina Denison, exec producer; Laura Molinaro, producer. VFX Magnetic Dreams, Nashville, Tenn. Mike Halsey, president; Rickey Boyd, creative director; Randall Saba, producer; Rhea Borzak, compositing. Music Beacon Street Studios, Venice, Calif. Leslie Dilullo, exec producer. Audio Post Sonic Union Steve Rosen, engineer; Pat Sullivan, producer. Stock Music Asche & Spencer
The Ad Council, partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and AdoptUSKids, launched a public service campaign, created pro bono by Edelman, which aims to inspire prospective parents to consider adopting a teen from foster care.
This centerpiece PSA titled “The Rewards”--directed by The Hudson Dusters (Michael Kuhn and Niles Roth) via Greenpoint Pictures--spotlights real adoptive families who have personally experienced the mutual benefits of adoption. This longer form PSA (and cutdown versions) begins with a touching display of openness and vulnerability as adoptive parents reflect on their adoption journeys and their initial questions and hesitations about adopting a teen. Then, in a deeply emotional turn, the adoptive parents witness their children recounting the profound rewards of adoption in their lives. The teens speak of the love they share with their parents and how the decision to become a family is reciprocal. The campaign directs viewers to the AdoptUSKids website to learn more about adopting a teen from foster care.
