Episode Description
Taken from Learning You FB:
"Did you know that every dollar of our profit is being given away?
Learning You was created to build awareness for those who may not yet see or understand the lives of autistic individuals, to foster connection for parents and caregivers who often feel alone, and to offer tangible moments where families of special needs can come together, feel welcomed, and experience the gift of “normal” time side-by-side."
My guest today is Tyler Sansom, the filmmaker behind Learning You. We talk about how a deeply personal script became an authentic portrayal of autism on screen, why avoiding Hollywood stereotypes mattered, and the meaning behind the film’s powerful “sandcastle moment.” Tyler also shares what it truly looks like to care for someone who is profoundly autistic, along with reflections on faith, empathy, and the mission-driven decision to donate 100% of the film’s profits to support families through the ACT initiative—reminding us why learning one another matters more than making assumptions.
Learning You Movie https://www.learningyoumovie.com
Locations & Times https://www.learningyoumovie.com/theatershowingsmap.aspx?subheadertext=Locations+and+Times
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningyoumovie
Tyler Sansom FB: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.sansom.98
First Capital Films: https://www.facebook.com/fcfilms
00:00 Tyler Sansom & “Learning You” origin story (how it landed at the film company)
01:35 Making autism authentic (avoiding “Hollywood savant” stereotypes; lived reality + caregivers)
03:14 The “Sandcastle Moment” scene (storm, meltdown, and the parent realization)
04:50 Film company background: pastor/filmmaker, 5 feature films, building momentum since 2016
05:53 100% profits donated + why (mission model; I CAN → orphans; Learning You → autism support)
06:38 ACT initiative explained (Awareness–Connection–Touch; counseling/resources/respite; 15-city rollout)
10:00 Casting & working with autistic actors (Caleb vs. Seth; accommodations; overstimulation + breaks)
13:17 How to find ACT/Thrive + Feb 3 launch (website/FB group; resources for caregivers)
14:26 Faith in film: subtle “wrestle,” not preachy (sparking conversation, not a sermon)
16:00 Institutionalization & the hard realities of profound autism (care forever; society’s blind spot)
17:13 Where to watch: theaters → streaming timeline (window ends ~Feb 20; streaming late March)
17:58 Biggest takeaway: “learn one another” (empathy over assumptions; why the title matters)
19:33 Division, black-and-white thinking, and living in the “gray” (judgment vs understanding)
21:36 Personal close: Pakistan trip + freeing families from slavery (what he’s looking forward to)
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA
email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com