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Sia Lashes Out At Autism Community Over Criticism Of Her Upcoming Movie

The road to ableism has always been paved with good intentions.

Last week, Sia posted a trailer for her upcoming movie, ‘Music.’ According to a press release, the ‘Chandelier’ singer co-wrote the screenplay and directed the musical drama, which stars Maddie Ziegler, Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom Jr. Sia also released a 14-track album to accompany the film, titled ‘Music - Songs From And Inspired By The Motion Picture.’

The film follows Hudson’s character, who is estranged from her family but suddenly finds herself the sole guardian of her nonverbal autistic half-sister, played by Zeigler. The two sisters also strike up a friendship with their neighbour, played by Odom, according to Variety.

Yet despite the seemingly feel-good content, upon the release of the trailer, many in the disability and autism community expressed concerns on social media.

One criticism is that Sia cast Ziegler — an 18-year-old dancer who has starred in several of the Australian pop star’s music videos — as the lead. Ziegler is neurotypical, and many in the autistic community took issue with the dancer portraying a nonverbal autistic teenager.

@paigelayle

no excuses. & my opinion is not up for discussion. #autism#nonuancenovember

♬ original sound - paigelayle

“There’s a lot to be concerned about with this film, including ― but definitely not limited to ― the casting,” Zoe Gross, director of operations at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, told HuffPost via email. “We’re concerned about what messages the film will send about autism.”

“It’s sad to see people investing so much time and money into this outdated approach to telling stories about autism, when there are so many better ways to...

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