Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month in Canada: Honouring Three Inspiring Voices in Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael
October marks Autism Acceptance Month in Canada — a time to celebrate autistic people, recognize their contributions, share their stories, and continue building a society where people on the autism spectrum are welcomed, respected, and given meaningful opportunities to participate.
To help celebrate the beginning of this important month, Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael has created a special poster featuring three important members of our production who are on the autism spectrum: Michael Whitell, Stefano Di Cecco, and Eric Hattum.
The poster celebrates Canada’s Autism Acceptance Month in Red and Gold, the new colours for autism established by Alanna Rose Whitney, while highlighting three individuals whose real-life experiences are helping shape the ongoing story of Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael.
Michael Whitell — The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Story
At the centre of Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael is Michael Whitell, whose real-life experiences growing up with autism inspired the story.
The film follows a younger version of Michael as he writes a letter to his grandfather in heaven, reflecting on the life he has lived, the challenges he has experienced, and the people who have influenced his journey.
Michael’s story is not simply a fictional character created for the screen. It comes from lived experience, making his involvement in the production particularly meaningful.
Through Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael, audiences are invited to see autism through a personal and human perspective — through Michael’s experiences, relationships, memories, challenges, and aspirations.
Stefano Di Cecco — Brand Ambassador and Co-Star
Stefano Di Cecco is a longtime Brand Ambassador for Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael and co-stars alongside Michael in the latest filmed story.
Stefano plays Abbot, a character on the autism spectrum who experiences bullying before developing a friendship with Michael.
His involvement in the production reflects the project’s commitment to providing opportunities for autistic performers to participate in telling stories that represent their experiences.
Stefano has become an important part of the Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael family, both on screen and as a Brand Ambassador supporting the project’s ongoing mission.
Eric Hattum — Family, Content Creator and Podcast Host
Eric Hattum brings another unique connection to the Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael story.
Eric is Michael Whitell’s real-life cousin from Saskatchewan, an aspiring radio personality and content creator, and the host of the ongoing YouTube podcast Behind the Scenes with Eric Hattum.
Through the podcast, Eric interviews members of the Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael cast, crew, partners, and other people involved with the production.
His work provides audiences with an opportunity to learn more about what happens behind the scenes and to hear directly from the people helping bring the project to life.
You can follow and subscribe to Behind the Scenes with Eric Hattum on YouTube.
Creating Opportunities Through Film
Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael is being produced by Michael Whitell’s longtime family friend and Canadian filmmaker Tyrone Greenidge through his startup film production company, My Three Angels Pictures Inc. (M3A Pictures).
Tyrone’s vision extends beyond creating a film. Through M3A Pictures, he is working toward providing working opportunities for people on the autism spectrum across his projects.
Michael, Stefano, and Eric represent the beginning of that commitment.
By creating opportunities for people on the spectrum to participate both in front of and behind the camera, M3A Pictures hopes to demonstrate what can happen when inclusion becomes part of the production process itself.
Looking Ahead: Hamilton Screening Event
The Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael journey continues this fall with another screening event in Hamilton, Ontario.
Tyrone Greenidge will present the next Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael screening at:
The Stoney Creek Optimist Club
890 Queenston Road
Hamilton, Ontario
Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00 PM
More information about the event will be shared through our social media channels as the date approaches.
Celebrating Autism Acceptance
Autism Acceptance Month is an opportunity to go beyond awareness.
It is a time to recognize autistic people as individuals with their own stories, talents, ambitions, relationships, and contributions. It is also an opportunity to support greater inclusion and create meaningful opportunities for autistic people in communities, workplaces, creative industries, and beyond.
Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month by putting real people and real experiences at the heart of its story.
We invite you to follow our journey, learn more about Michael, Stefano, Eric, and the entire Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael team, and join us in celebrating the people who make this story possible.
To learn more about Dear Grandpa, It’s Michael and follow the project’s journey, visit our official website:
deargrandpaitsmichael.com