Alex Lehmann: Behind The Scenes of Aspergers Are Us
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, and this encore installment of the Special Chronicles Podcast Limited Series uplifts the voices, stories, and lived experiences that continue to expand society’s understanding of autism. In this episode, host Daniel Smrokowski revisits a lively and insightful conversation with filmmaker Alex Lehmann, director of the acclaimed documentary Aspergers Are Us.
The episode offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the making of a film that follows four comedians on the autism spectrum and their comedy troupe of the same name. Lehmann reflects on how the project began, his first encounters with the troupe, and the creative spark that drew him into their world. He shares what he knew about autism before filming, what he learned along the way, and how the group’s humor, honesty, and friendship shaped the story he ultimately brought to the screen.
Listeners will hear Lehmann discuss:
How the documentary came to life
What surprised him most about working with the troupe
The joys and challenges of directing a film centered on autistic voices
Memorable behind‑the‑scenes moments that didn’t make the final cut
The troupe’s hopes, fears, and reactions to being featured in the film
What he hopes viewers take away from the story
Where to watch the documentary and how to follow the team online
This encore episode celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the power of storytelling to shift perspectives. Whether listeners are longtime fans of the film or discovering it for the first time, the conversation offers a warm, humorous, and deeply human look at autism through the lens of art and friendship.
Episode 831 ShowNotes & Links
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Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.
About The Podcast Host:
Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate, best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform featuring over 800 episodes produced across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel amplifies the voices of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion, awareness, and social change. In recognition of his impact, he is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice.
Read more about Daniel | Discover Daniel’s Story – Listen here
