You don’t have to read this if you don’t want to.
I’ve been avoiding talking about this on my blog because it’s personal, and it doesn’t have a lot to do with the usual content of my blog.
Well, it does have to do with the Oscars… Kinda. It has to do with the Best Documentary Short category. Yeah, I know that’s the least interesting category, but stay with me.
You see, I’m making a documentary short.
I know I should have talked about this project earlier, and I’m sorry. I just don’t feel comfortable talking about it. I don’t feel talking about my personal problems in general, I just like to talk about The Academy Awards, and a few other choice things that I take very seriously. This blog allows me to talk about what I want to talk about. It allows me to feel joy, and share that joy with the world.
There’s something about myself that I have never shared before, and as I type this, I am having a strong mental image of some of my followers turning away in disgust as soon as they find this out, but here it goes… I have Asperger’s syndrome.
I am making a documentary short film called ‘The Artistic Spectrum’. This article will tell you more about the film, but the film will be about the effect that Asperger’s and Autism has on kids and teenagers, and how their passion to follow their dreams can hopefully outweigh their diagnosis.
I can absolutely assure you that the link I send you to is something that me and my parents have spent a good amount of time working on. My real name, as you’ll see, is Connor Olen. ‘ConMan’ was a nickname within my family and I thought it would be a good name when I started blogging.
Here is the link to IndieGogo. I can promise you that every cent you donate will go to a good cause, as you can see from the wonderfully designed pie chart on the IndieGogo page. Thanks, Dad.
We really need any support we can get. As I write this, we have only raised $2,125 of our ideal $55,000 budget. I highly encourage you to go to those links and, at the very least, consider making a donation. You are not only helping me, but many kids and teens all over the United States. I believe that this film has the power to make a difference.
But I need your help to get there.
CONMAN AT THE MOVIES 
Connor, don’t ever feel like you’ll disgust anyone, please. Thank you for sharing this with us. Blogging is a very personal thing, and you have readers and followers and fellow bloggers who really do care. I hope that you do get the funds you need to make this short. I strongly feel it’s an important message. My wife and I have suspected that our eldest daughter may have Asperger’s as well, and so my heart goes out to you and your family. Chin up, my friend, and remember that you are not alone and more importantly, you are not defined by this. You are Connor, and that’s a pretty great person to be.
And the award for sweetest comment ever goes to! Seriously though, thank you so much.
You’re welcome, friend, and I want you to know that I’ve shared this post on Twitter to raise awareness for your funding page.
Hi, you don’t know me — I followed you over here from Andrew’s tweet. Wow! You have no idea how badly I want to see your film. 🙂 I honestly can’t imagine anyone turning away in disgust over your mentioning Asperger’s, as awareness of what this actually means — both the gifts and challenges — is steadily increasing. And the topic is personal to me. I have a very bright, funny, kind, creative kid with Asperger’s/other issues, and she is an aspiring writer/filmmaker. I am going to promote the hell out of your crowdfunding project.
Done so already, Connor.(on the 10th). I hope your film is a big success. You will be great !
Conor you are awesome. I couldn’t contribute much but every little helps, right?
Connor you are very brave to make your documentary, and I am happy to have contributed! Most people have secret parts of themselves, usually hidden behind defense mechanisms, and all sorts of outward distractions or “disguises.” Everyone has a part of themselves that they worry will make them unloveable. Yes, everyone, even on a very deep, unconscious level. By telling people that you have Asperger’s, you claim it, you own it, and now with the film you will help so many people understand what it’s like from your the first-person, authentic account. You’ll help other kids with Asperger’s. You’ll help their parents, their teachers, their siblings. There are probably many ways your brain works that I could never match – we all have our unique gifts. I look forward to hearing more about your film as it develops!
Hey Connor! I’m super behind with blog reading. I would’ve contributed. If there’s any way I can help you, via Paypal or whatnot, I’d love to help a little. The project sounds like a really great idea and just tell me if there’s anything I can do to help via my blog or FB or Twitter. Just say the word! I’m sorry for just getting to this now…