Śubuk: from screen to dialogue on autism

On April 23, Concordia University hosted a special screening of the Polish film Śubuk, followed by a panel discussion for the Śubuk: From Screen to Dialogue on Autism – Lived Experience and Systemic Realities event as part of World Autism Awareness Day commemorations. The event was co-led by Concordia International and the Concordia Access Centre for Students with Disabilities, in partnership with the Consulates General of Mexico and Poland in Montreal.

The initiative reflected a shared effort between academic, diplomatic, and subject-matter experts to create space for meaningful dialogue on inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity. It brought together academic, diplomatic, and field experts to explore how lived experience, policy frameworks, and cultural expression intersect in shaping more inclusive societies.

The event opened with remarks from William Cheaib, Chief of Staff to the President and Associate Vice-President, International at Concordia University, alongside H.E. Izabela Fabjańska-Potapczuk, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Montreal, and H.E. Víctor Manuel Treviño Escudero, Consul General of Mexico in Montreal. The opening speakers highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and cultural diplomacy in addressing complex social and accessibility-related challenges.

Śubuk is a Polish drama inspired by real events that follows the story of a mother raising a son on the autism spectrum as she navigates educational, healthcare, and institutional systems often unprepared to respond to neurodiversity. The film portrays both the emotional and structural challenges faced by families, while also highlighting resilience, dignity, and the search for understanding and support.

The panel discussion was moderated by Adelina Feo, Manager of the Concordia Access Centre for Students with Disabilities, who guided the conversation across themes emerging from the film and the lived experiences of participants.

A key point of reflection was the strong resonance between the narratives depicted in Śubuk and the personal and professional experiences shared by the panelists. These parallels helped ground the discussion in both artistic representation and real-world challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and their families across education, healthcare, and social systems.

The discussion also addressed the persistence of systemic barriers. Dr. Erwin Neumark, Part-time Professor in the Department of Psychology and Clinical Director at the Montreal Autism Center noted that these barriers remain present at “every single step” of the system—from early education through to employment and broader social participation. Attention was also drawn to ongoing challenges in autism diagnosis, where access remains uneven and often dependent on costly private services, resulting in significant inequalities in access to timely support.

Beyond its narrative content, the conversation highlighted the role of the arts in expanding understanding and perspective. Steven Atme, musician, humanitarian, and creative arts educator, emphasized that artistic expression creates space for individuals on the autism spectrum to explore identity, advocacy, and participation in society from new perspectives, while also making lived experiences more visible and accessible to broader audiences. Zachary Markofsky, PhD candidate in Organization Psychology, also emphasized that addressing the needs of people with autism in the workplace often leads to better work/study environments for all.

In their closing reflections, panelists offered complementary perspectives on the principles needed to move forward. Steven Atme emphasized empathy as a foundational element in engaging with neurodiverse experiences and fostering inclusion. Dr. Neumark highlighted the importance of flexibility in institutional and interpersonal approaches when addressing autism-related challenges. Zachary Markofsky stressed the value of active listening and being fully present before moving toward proposing solutions, underscoring the importance of centering lived experience in dialogue and decision-making.

Overall, the event reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration between universities, diplomatic partners, and community stakeholders in addressing inclusion and accessibility. It also highlighted the value of cultural and artistic engagement as powerful tools for fostering reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding of complex social realities.