Media Team Provides Opportunity to Support Adults with Autism

The talented Spectrum Fusion Media Team, including Houston-area videographers, editors, writers, graphic designers, and voice-over actors on the autism spectrum, is now serving clients from state-of-the-art facilities: Spectrum Fusion Studios.

Community members are invited to meet the team and learn about the many services they can provide corporate clients during the Spectrum Fusion Studios Grand Opening 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, at 2016 Bissonnet Drive in Houston, 77005.

The media team — which has served clients ranging from Johnson & Johnson to the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO) in Houston — is a program of Spectrum Fusion, a Houston nonprofit that empowers adults on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential.

“This is something that we've worked long and hard to achieve,” said Heidi Stieglitz Ham, Ph.D., the CEO and founder of Spectrum Fusion. “So often, creative individuals with autism are told their talents are nothing more than a hobby. But creativity is a powerful strength and asset. It’s sought after around the world.”

Now, companies and nonprofits have a way of connecting with creative professionals on the autism spectrum — and an opportunity to foster neurodiversity in the workplace.

“Although many corporations support the idea of hiring neurodivergent employees, most do not have opportunities for the creatives, or they may not have openings on their media team,” Ham said. “Working with our Spectrum Fusion Media Team is a way corporations can support creatives and build teams that include those who are neurodivergent.

“We're also encouraging anybody who has an organization that serves individuals who are on the spectrum, are neurodivergent, or have any other disabilities to hire our team for their media needs.”

The Spectrum Fusion Media Team represents a tremendous opportunity for adults on the autism spectrum. For the five Houston-area residents it employs, the team has been providing chances to work on a wide range of fulfilling projects — including documentaries, commercials, and video trailers — they wouldn’t necessarily have been assigned as individual service providers.

And, the studio provides them with an environment where neurodivergent creative professionals can thrive.

“We’ve created an extremely happy, amazing place,” Ham said. “It doesn't look like a corporate setting; it looks professional, but it has a very upbeat feel to it.”

And for the other autistic adults that Spectrum Fusion serves — individuals who still are looking for work and business opportunities — Spectrum Fusion Studios is a valuable source of support that showcases their abilities and work experience with polished, high-quality videos.

Spectrum Fusion Media Team members and their Houston-area communities include:

• Adam Butts, Marketing Assistant, Katy

• Rhys Griffin, Visual Storyteller/Voice Actor, Clear Lake

• Darren Logue, Production Assistant, Uptown Houston

• William Purdy, Creative Director, Memorial/Spring Branch

• Philip Thomas, Lead Editor, Southwest Houston/Missouri City

No reservations are required to attend the Spectrum Fusion Studio Grand Opening Sept. 30. Valet parking will be provided, along with snacks and beverages.