by Michelle Walker
As the mother of a young actor with autism and ADD, advocating for my son has always been a part of my journey. Tom Walker, now ten, has not only fallen in love with performing but has also discovered a career pathway that he hopes will lead him to film school and becoming a producer. Watching him thrive in these areas, especially in an industry where inclusivity is often overlooked, fills me with pride and determination to continue advocating for a world that embraces children like him.
The film industry has a long-standing issue with representation, particularly when it comes to actors with disabilities. For children like Tom, who are bursting with creativity and imagination, the barriers are not just frustrating, they can be heartbreaking. As other mothers to children with disabilities will recognise, roles that would be perfect for their kids are given to others because of perceived “extra needs”. What many people don’t realise is that these accommodations are often minor, such as a structured environment, clear communication, or sensory-friendly adjustments. These are not costly or time-consuming changes, but they can mean the difference between exclusion and inclusion for children like Tom.
Tom was cast as River in Before We Sleep when he was just eight years old, which was a rare opportunity in an industry that has been slow to embrace neurodiverse talent. The character of River, who is a young boy who sees the world differently, was a natural fit for Tom. His vivid imagination and unique way of seeing the world made him perfect for the role. It is no surprise that audiences and critics have been captivated by his portrayal, but as his mother, I see the deeper triumph. Tom finds pure joy in doing what he loves.
For children with autism, the casting process can be particularly challenging. It is a complex world for all actors, often filled with rejection, and can be particularly hard for kids to understand. However, these experiences can also be transformative. In a safe and structured environment, children can learn to process rejection, develop resilience, and even advocate for themselves. For Tom, this has been an invaluable lesson. He has learned how to communicate his needs on set, ask for support when required, and navigate the highs and lows of a competitive industry in place where everyone he meets becomes family.
Advocating for inclusive sets has been a significant part of my role as Tom’s mum. I am proud to have worked alongside the team behind Before We Sleep to ensure the production was certified as an Inclusive Set by Inclusively Made, a certification that guarantees the environment is accessible and supportive for all cast and crew. It shouldn’t be a rare occurrence. It should be the standard. Inclusive practices don’t just benefit individuals. They enrich the entire production by fostering creativity, understanding, and collaboration.
Before We Sleep is more than just a short film. It is a statement about what is possible when we choose inclusion. It is a reminder that children like Tom have so much to offer, not in spite of their differences but because of them. As the film garners recognition, including a nomination for the 2025 AACTA Award for Best Short Film, it stands as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future in the film industry.
Director Josh Lacy played an essential role in creating an environment where Tom could shine. His approach of focusing on Tom’s strengths, being patient, and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, helped Tom navigate the complexities of the role, the set and multiple locations. It is an approach that more directors should adopt because, as Josh has said, “The adjustments are minor, and the payoff is huge. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about making the industry a place where everyone feels they belong.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Tom’s journey has been seeing him grow into an advocate for himself. Watching him assert himself in a professional setting has been a proud moment for me as a parent. It is a reminder that inclusion is not just about creating opportunities, it is about empowering individuals to thrive within those opportunities.
Tom’s journey has been a bright spot in an industry that desperately needs more representation. Recent statistics show that only a small percentage of characters in film and television are portrayed by actors with disabilities, and even fewer are played by actors with autism. This lack of representation isn’t just disappointing; it’s a missed opportunity. For Tom, being part of Before We Sleep has been a step toward changing the narrative and showing the industry what is possible.
You can vote for Before We Sleep in the 2025 AACTA Awards.
