Sibling talks about her brother with autism in Disney spot

From Jackson News in Michigan:

A surreal feeling came over Jackson resident Jackie Igafo-Te'o the moment she saw two of her children on television last week.

It was Nov. 23, and Melody Igafo-Te'o, 13 (Pictured), and her brother, Michael, 15, were featured in a two-minute Disney Channel segment called "The Time I Realized My Brother was Different."

The siblings had been filmed in July at the Ella Sharp Park mini golf course and clubhouse to illustrate Melody's experience of what it's like to live with a brother with autism.

"It's amazing. People have e-mailed us and are telling people the kids did a great job," Jackie said. "I'm just really proud of my kids."

The segment regularly airs on the Disney Channel. But more important than being on television, Jackie Igafo-Te'o said, is the effect her children's message can have.

Autism is a development disorder that affects a person's communication and social skills. In the segment, Melody explains the embarrassment she felt when friends did not comprehend why Michael would not come and play. The segment also shows Michael demonstrating his artwork and love for animation.

She said it can be "crazy" at times to live with her brother and "sometimes he can go a little overboard with things," but she hopes the short film gives people a better understanding of the disorder.

"Some people just think autism is a weird problem," Melody said. "They stare at autistic people. I hope that they won't think that as much — that it's like having a regular sibling and just a little different."

Jackie Igafo-Te'o said the film is based on a book Melody wrote several years ago, chronicling her own tales of playing games and eating pizza with her brother. United Front Design, a production company out of Los Angeles, had discovered the book and contacted the family.

Melody and her mother were suspicious when United Front approached them about filming the siblings.

"Melody's very shy," Jackie Igafo-Te'o said. "She was afraid to be on a channel that has millions of viewers and people that could judge her."

But a couple of months of long-distance collaboration finalized a script and bestowed some confidence in the situation.

A crew flew to Jackson for the shoot in July. Videos of Michael and Melody rehearsing with crew members can be found under the short's title at www.youtube.com. Their mother said they spent five hours shooting the segment.

Since the airing of the short, she said, it's been a particularly exciting experience for Michael, who "lives, dreams and breathes Mickey Mouse" and the Disney Channel.