“Communication can range from very subtle processes of exchange, to full conversations and mass communication” – This quote is from “The History of Communication”.
Disney’s Loop
“Loop” is the story of communication, differences, of understanding through compassion, and it’s truly beautiful. The story is clear so I’m going to flip it slightly and tell you Rene’s side.
At the start she is slightly anxious because everyone else has left and she’s in the canoe on her own. She is paired with someone she doesn’t know and they leave for the island. She is slightly agitated, but is settled enough to allow the tone to play on her device.
She finds a way to communicate but it’s direction rather than intent. What she wanted was the sensory impact of feeling the rushes against her hand. When she does, she’s settled and the tone plays on repeat... she’s happy.
When they went into the pipe she was overwhelmed by the sound. Her comforting tone turned against her. His heart was in the right place, but this is a misunderstanding of autistic people and our individual sensory processing limits. She doesn’t have a meltdown, but does panic, and go into flight mode.
Needs met, she was happy and content, when that changes, she reacts. Highlighting that there are positive and negative sensory reactions, this is where this short shines.
To go from a positive sensory impact to a negative one would have been very jarring.
Inclusion requires understanding, but understanding requires inclusion. They are a Yin and Yang, in balance, in harmony. This is why I love Loop, not a busy dialogue, but so much said. It’s a very powerful animation, because when it comes to inclusion, representation and acceptance... it’s all there.
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern
Words – Ross Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
In association with Service Graphics and Millworks, Cambridge.
I love the Disney short “Loop”, it’s really heartfelt and genuine. I would love to see a full length version of Rene’s story one day, because this is one of my favourite media representations of autism.