Autism Ideas in Midlothian

This new drama series which you can catch on BBC iplayer from 31/3/23 and CBBC in April 2023 features neurodivergent actors playing the lead roles. Themes of autism are woven in to the plot and how characters cope when they feel overwhelmed and anxious are discussed. A Kind of Spark interweaves the past and present of Addie’s hometown, Juniper. It explores the joys of friendship, sisterhood, self belief the drama of growing up, mystery and magic as Addie tries to get her village to make a memorial to the women who were put on trial for witch craft.

Coming to BBC iPlayer on 31 March and CBBC from 17 April, it tells the inspirational story of an autistic teenager Addie. When she learns about the witch trials that happened centuries ago in her hometown of Juniper, Addie knows that there’s more to the story of these ‘witches’, just as there is more to her own.

Her desire to be herself becomes entwined with the historical mystery of Maggie and Elinor, two sisters who lived in the 16th Century. Maggie was accused of witchcraft and mysteriously vanished before she could be brought to trial while Elinor struggled with her true self.

As Addie tries to unravel what happened to Maggie, she discovers an even more surprising connection to Elinor and embarks on a journey of self-discovery while campaigning for a memorial in Maggie and Elinor’s honour. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her and make her voice be heard?

Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award and the Overall Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, A Kind of Spark interweaves the past and present in ten action packed episodes full of the joys of friendship, sisterhood, the drama of growing up, mystery and magic.

Filmed in Knutsford, Manchester, A Kind of Spark has authentic representation throughout its production with the three lead characters of Addie, Keedie and Nina played by neurodivergent actors.