Asperger's Performer and Activist Dylan Rothbein to Speak at The Actors' Temple

Acclaimed performer, activist and filmmaker Dylan Rothbein will be speaking at The Actors' Temple (339 West 47th Street, New York NY 10036) at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 9 along with author Rob Bernstein (Uniquely Normal: Tapping the Reservoir of Normalcy to Treat Autism) to discuss his experiences identifying as Asperger's.

Dylan is a gifted artist and advocate for the disabled who speaks about what it's like to identify as Asperger's, and he will be speaking to The Actors' Temple congregation after its Friday Shabbat service about his struggles and successes with finding acceptance within both the Jewish community and the world at large. Dylan will also speak about his journey from selective mutism (in which he rarely spoke for a period of five years) to his current position as a musician, filmmaker, disability rights activist and champion for those with neurodiversity, and he will close his appearance with a few songs from his upcoming album Tell Me I'm Following You.

Author and therapist Rob Bernstein is a friend and colleague of Dylan's (and a producer on Dylan's current film in progress Society's Child), and he will also be appearing with Dylan in order to talk about his own experiences over three decades treating children and adults on the autism spectrum, many of whom were non-speaking when they first came to his office. Rob's award-winning new book Uniquely Normal provides a candid look at his successes, while also offering parents, teachers, and professionals an alternative to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) approaches.

"It is a pleasure to provide Dylan Rothbein the opportunity to speak and sing at a Friday Evening Shabbat Service," comments Rabbi/Cantor Jill Hausman of The Actors' Temple. "As he advocates for the Autistic community, and tells us how he transformed his life, so that he may empower and inspire others."

Empowering those Identifying as Disabled/Neurodivergent

When not singing and speaking, Dylan Rothbein is the president and founder of Neurodivergent Ventures, working tirelessly to speak for the neurodivergent community. He recently announced a crowdfunding effort for his film Society's Child, on which he serves as writer, director and composer. Society's Child is the powerful and emotional fictional story that emerged from Dylan's own experiences as a working-class Jewish kid who identifies as Asperger's and dyslexic, who now speaks for the disabled and neurodivergent on a global scale. Dylan's story included a psych ward inpatient stay, selective mutism, misdiagnosis relating to his Asperger's, and successful residential care, and he emerged from those experiences to become a singer, performer and entrepreneur who is known as the "Bob Dylan of Neurodiversity." Society's Child also sensitively reflects some of Dylan's own experiences growing up both neurodivergent and Jewish, as well.

"I'm very excited to appear at The Actors' Temple to share my experiences identifying as Asperger's," comments Dylan Rothbein. "In sharing my story, my focus is always on finding common ground, and on identifying the ways in which we are all more alike than we are different, and to be able to do so before fellow members of the Jewish community makes it all the more meaningful."

Seeking Common Ground

Rob Bernstein echoes Dylan's call to seek common ground between those in the community at large and those on the spectrum. "We need to recognize and appreciate our similarities on both sides," he comments, "even as we appreciate our differences. And we should never forget Dr. Temple Grandin's famous statement that 'Being different doesn't mean we're less.'" (Dr. Grandin also contributed the foreword to Rob's book Uniquely Normal).

Dylan is a multitalented filmmaker, composer, musician, and neurodiversity and disability rights activist. He's an eloquent quotable source on what it's like to identify as Asperger's/dyslexic, and is the president of Neurodivergent Ventures, a company dedicated to creating music and film in order to advocate for neurodiversity. Dylan records albums, makes films, and speaks publicly about his experiences in order to connect with the world, and to further the cause of neurodiversity and disability.

Making a Difference Through Books, Movies, Music and More

Dylan recently appeared in the award-winning film Keep the Change, which was directed by Rachel Israel. He acted in the film as well as performing his song "Love is a Tidal Wave," which can be found on his album Even Though We're Different. Meanwhile, learn more about his company and accomplishments at https://dylanrothbein.weebly.com/.

Robert Bernstein is an educational consultant who has been treating people on the autism spectrum for more than 30 years now. He has helped many hundreds of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) across all age groups, from 18 months to those well into their adult years, as they overcame their deficits to catch up to age-appropriate cognitive and behavioral norms. Rob's work with a previously non-speaking child whom he helped to learn to speak was documented in The New York Times and he has also appeared on "Dateline" (NBC) and national radio, hosted "Educating Your Child" (a call-in radio show), and conducted dozens of seminars and presentations.

Available now from Future Horizons, Rob's book Uniquely Normal is available in both Kindle ($17.95) and paperback ($19.95) formats. Written by Robert J. Bernstein with Robin Cantor-Cooke, Uniquely Normal features a foreword by Dr. Temple Grandin.

Located at 339 West 47th Street in New York City in the heart of the Times Square Theatre District, The Actors' Temple, Congregation Ezrath Israel, is a place where spirituality meets creativity, where acceptance and inclusion are core principles, and where the enduring values of Judaism translate into human connections. The Temple provides community and self-expression, and deeds of loving kindness and caring. Its community welcomes all people who are searching for a deepened relationship to God and Judaism, for self-expression, learning, and friendship. Providing both thought-provoking speakers and theatrical events, as well as acceptance and community for all, its congregation is progressive and egalitarian, a place where mind, heart, and soul can be nourished. Learn more at http://www.theactorstemple.org.

Society's Child tells the story of Dylan, set in a fictionalized coming-of-age setting inspired by his own life and challenges, in a moving tale of triumph against adversity. Written, directed, and scored by Dylan Rothbein, Society's Child is being executive-produced by Rob Bernstein and produced by Mario Pioli, with production design by Brooke Van Hensenbergen. The film is currently seeking $60,000 in funding for completion of the film's shooting and post-production. Contribute to help the film become a reality at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/society-s-child--2#/.