In 2001, sisters Devon and Autumn Terrill recruited a small film crew and began documenting their younger brother Adam’s experiences as an offbeat, developmentally disabled young man living in Iowa.

Adam's complex mix of disabilities (autism, ADHD, mild mental retardation) and singular charisma have been a constant source of comedy and drama in the lives of his 7-member family. From his early years to his high school graduation to his present life in a group home, the film zeroes in on the compelling relationship between Adam and his older sister, Autumn, and how this unique bond impacts both of their lives.

With an estimated 2 million Americans currently diagnosed with autism (and millions more parents, siblings, relatives or friends affected by this and related disabilities), GORK! opens a window into the experiences of one family...and, perhaps, offers a glimpse into the world of many other families who have someone "on the spectrum" in their lives.

As part of the documentary project, Autumn's solo stage play (also called “GORK!”) was filmed in front of a live audience and is featured in the documentary as the film explores Adam’s daily life and further elaborates on the humor and conflict arising from his uninhibited, flamboyant approach to life.

Autumn¹s work over the years with children and adults with disabilities has provided another critical layer of insight and access to the subject matter at the heart of "GORK!". Drawing from her experiences growing up with Adam, she created Storytime with A.D.A.M. (Adaptive Dramatic Affect Method) that offers high-energy creative play sessions for children with autism and speech delays. In 2006, Autumn received the Catherine B. Reynolds Fellowship in Social Entrepreneurship at New York University to further develop her methodology. She recently launched Adam-In-Action, Inc devoted to the goal of creating a future where people with disabilities are at liberty to become self-sustaining, value-adding citizens.

GORK! The Documentary
Directed by Devon Terrill, GORK! the documentary explores the comedy and conflict arising from Adam's challenging disabilities. Tracing his experiences in the Terrill family, from his early years, through high school graduation, and to his current life in a group home, this film presents a warts-and-all picture of a disabled yet abled young man. GORK! exposes us firsthand to the challenges faced by a family that Adam both entertains and completely overwhelms. more >>

GORK! The One Woman Show
Written and performed by Autumn Terrill, GORK! the solo stage play debuted in Los Angeles, California, in November 2002 and went on to win “Best Solo Show” at the New York International Fringe Festival in 2004. Gork! garnered rave reviews from critics, who called the show “bold and disarming,” “lovingly crafted,” and “theater of advocacy at its best.” more >>

Adam-in-Action, Inc. & Storytime with A.D.A.M. (Adaptive Dramatic Affect Method)
Autumn Terrill established Adam-in-Action, Inc. in 2007 to house a growing group of Adam-infused-and-inspired projects, including “GORK!” and Storytime with A.D.A.M. (Adaptive Dramatic Affect Method) services. Drawing on her personal history and professional experience in special education and long-term care settings, in March of 2004, Autumn created, Storytime with A.D.A.M., a 90 minute, one-to-one high energy creative-based play session. Through playful and energetic performances of children’s literature infused with arts, crafts, music, and pretend-play, Storytime is designed to elicit the greatest number of joyful, sustained, genuine connections. A.D.A.M. was created for children (5-up) who are characterized as non-verbal, or who have speech delays/disabilities and pervasive social challenges. For more information see: www.adaminaction.com