Deschutes Public Library

Adventures of T-Man

eng

videorecording

Adventures of T-Man

Originally produced by Video Project in 2020

56

A coming of age story focused on Terrence (aka T-Man), a 26-year-old Black man with high functioning autism who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Curious and earnest, but living with the realities of existing on the spectrum, he has lived with his mother his whole life. He now feels ready to take the big step towards an independent life, including holding down a job and renting his own apartment, despite the many obstacles the world presents for autistic adults. When he is chosen by AvidXchange, a financial technology firm, to be part of a pilot program hiring people on the autism spectrum, the new income gives him the footing needed to seek independence. However, Terrence finds himself encountering unexpected challenges as he enters the next chapter of his life. The relationship with his parents becomes strained after a series of events, his job security through the pilot program remains in question, and he even finds himself in personal danger. Throughout everything that happens over a year and a half, Terrence maintains a laser focus on his ultimate goal. Though he is initially guarded about his condition for fear of ridicule from the outside world, we also witness Terrence gradually coming to terms with his autism as he shares personal insights in this remarkably intimate document presenting a truly unique, compelling, and necessary coming-of-age story. The film gives an honest, intimate, and unflinching look at what it is like to have a cognitive difference today in America. In sharing his story with the world, Terrence seeks not sympathy, but dignity

live action