Colchester woman's new film explores living with ADHD

Christina Jane, who wrote the short film Invisible and also stars in the production, was delighted to hear about its selection for the festival recently, especially during Autism Awareness, which is held in April each year.

Christina, who is from Colchester, hopes the production will educate people about the multiple difficulties women face when learning to live with ADHD and autism.

She said: “Females with ADHD and autism often behave differently to males and are not diagnosed as often.

“This is because the diagnostic criteria for autism is based on research with autistic men and boys. Therefore, males are more likely to be identified with these conditions at a younger age than women and girls with the same problems.

“Women and girls are also more likely to copy or ‘mask’ the behaviour of others so they can fit in socially.

Christina and Steve Downey at Southend Film Festival (Image: Christina Jane)

“This involves them hiding their differences and difficulties so they are not teased or isolated. This complex picture can hinder the observation of recognisable symptoms and patterns.

“Thankfully, we are finally reaching a stage and understanding when autism and ADHD are becoming more recognised, more accepted, and less stigmatised – with real diagnosis and help available to all.”

The production is based on a poem Christina wrote about living with the crippling difficulties of the conditions without access to medication.

These problems include struggling with poor memory, zoning out, suffering with time blindness, being unable to follow instructions, as well as experiencing poor attention and concentration.

“The film also discusses the toll it takes on a person who is not diagnosed until they are an adult, as the constant struggle creates negative feelings, such as blame, shame, frustration and disappointment. These issues often lead to greater mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.“ added Christina.

However, she has been lifted by how much the film has inspired other people suffering with the same conditions. The movie has also won a number of awards at festivals all over the world and has recently been officially selected for the Southend-on-Sea Film Festival on June 10.

Christina Jane who wrote the short film Invisible (Image: Christina Jane)

The production is one of a collection of four films Christina has been making with Director Steve Downey over the last few years, based on a series of poems she wrote about living with her conditions.

The first short film in the collection, called The Lost Girls, was shown at the Colchester Independent Short Film Festival in 2022 and received a ‘Special Mention’. This film is a tribute to the lost generations of autistic women who grew up without a diagnosis.

“Our films are a wonderful chance for neurodiversity awareness and acceptance,” added Christina. “It’s also a fantastic chance to have someone like myself on screen performing to my own words about the subject with the support of an artistic Director, who also has autism.

“Plus, it makes me feel very proud to know that so many people have been lifted by my messages of hope. My first film, The Lost Girls, came out of my belief that if I could help provide understanding for just one women or girl with autism and improve that person’s life, then it would all be worthwhile.”

Since making the films, they have been used to educate people about how to cope with these conditions. They have also encouraged others to seek a new diagnosis for themselves or family members.

“The joy I’ve felt after being told that a successful diagnosis has been made off the back of my films is immeasurable. Identifying these problems alone has led to positive improvements in their standard of living.

“In particular, the short films have created a safe space for discussing these issues in-depth and providing solidarity for people, so they feel part of a wider community. Some have said the film Invisible seems like it was made specifically for them.

Christina added that having autism actually helps her with being an actress as she is used to being a ‘Chameleon’ and changing according to who is around her.

“Most actresses only work when filming a scene, but I’ve been an actress for my whole life through subconscious autistic masking, just to fit in. Also, my ADHD helps as I have a lot of natural energy, which his perfect for long days on set. But I feel there is still work to be done regarding representation and the emphasis needs to be more on society improving, and less about how inspirational people find me in overcoming my difficulties and challenges.

“For example, I’ve never seen any actors like me on TV of film with both diagnoses accurately portrayed in a primetime TV show or big budget movie. So there is zero representation in the industry right now. I would love to be involved with a production like this, although my favourite work will always be my own about raising awareness.”

Find out more about how you can see her film Invisible at the Colchester Independent Short Film Festival between 19 and 20 May by visiting: screeninnovation.co.uk/moviemakers