A Mother’s Perspective: Amy De Bhrún’s Film Illuminates the Beauty of Neurodiversity
Irish actress Amy De Bhrún is set to release her most personal project to date, a short film titled Samhain, inspired by her own journey as a mother to a child with autism. De Bhrún, known for her roles in popular television series such as Line of Duty and Borderline, along with her husband Séan Branigan, are parents to six-year-old Billie and four-year-old River. Their family’s experiences have profoundly shaped De Bhrún’s creative vision, leading to a project aimed at fostering greater understanding and compassion.
The genesis of Samhain traces back to September 2024, when River commenced pre-school. It was then that Amy and Séan were advised to have their son assessed. Following this, they received a private diagnosis for River. This pivotal moment ignited De Bhrún’s desire to create a narrative that reflects the complexities and nuances of raising a neurodivergent child.
Samhain, premiering at the Dublin International Film Festival, sees De Bhrún step into the role of a mother grappling with the demanding juggle of career, personal life, and her son’s diagnosis. In an interview, De Bhrún articulated her motivations for writing the film: “I want to bring a bit more compassion to neurodivergent people and also their parents and caregivers.” She further elaborated on her hopes for the film’s message, stating, “I want to bring an awareness that there’s great beauty in it as well. It’s not all just tics and ear defenders and walking on tippy-toes.”
The path to diagnosis was not without its challenges. Shortly after River began pre-school, the family faced the difficult reality that his current placement could not adequately meet his needs. This led to a period of searching for a more suitable environment, a journey that culminated in De Bhrún finding herself in tears at an autism pre-school in Rathfarnham.
The family, however, felt fortunate when the pre-school’s dedicated team pledged their support. This encouragement, coupled with the lengthy waiting lists for official Assessments of Need, prompted them to pursue a private diagnosis for River.
De Bhrún candidly shared her initial struggles following River’s diagnosis. She admitted to grappling with the idea of her son navigating a world that might not fully comprehend him. Yet, this initial apprehension gradually gave way to a profound appreciation for how River’s autism shapes his unique identity. “I don’t think people realise how much it changes your life, but he’s been the same child the whole time, so our lives had already changed. This is who they are, and it’s part of them. That’s what makes him so brilliant as well,” she explained.
Amy sees River’s autism not as a limitation, but as an integral component of his vibrant personality. She describes him as a child who revels in dressing up and possesses a playful, “little chancer” spirit.
Since receiving River’s diagnosis, De Bhrún has become an advocate, openly sharing her family’s experiences on social media. In April 2025, she commemorated World Autism Day with a heartfelt post featuring a touching photograph of herself and River.
Her accompanying message powerfully conveyed her evolving perspective: ““You’ll be fighting for him your whole life” were unhelpful words I was given a few months ago. Because I don’t feel like I’m fighting at all. I feel like I’m learning to paint with a new colour. It’s society’s responsibility to rise up and meet people exactly where they are. We are not in the business of mashing a beautiful soul into something they are not. Let’s do better.”
Key Themes Explored in Samhain:
- Parental Resilience: The film delves into the emotional fortitude required by parents navigating the complexities of a child’s diagnosis.
- Challenging Perceptions: De Bhrún aims to dismantle stereotypes surrounding autism, highlighting its inherent beauty and diversity.
- Societal Responsibility: Samhain advocates for a more inclusive society that embraces and supports neurodivergent individuals.
- The Nuances of Diagnosis: The film offers a glimpse into the personal impact of receiving an autism diagnosis and the subsequent journey of understanding.
The Importance of Early Support and Understanding
The experience of seeking a diagnosis for River underscores the critical need for accessible and timely support services for families. The long waiting times for Assessments of Need can add significant stress to an already challenging period. De Bhrún’s decision to pursue a private diagnosis, while a privilege, also highlights the disparities in access to care.
The film Samhain promises to be a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about neurodiversity, offering a deeply personal and empathetic portrayal of a mother’s love and advocacy. By sharing her story, Amy De Bhrún is not only shedding light on her own family’s journey but also contributing to a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance and celebration of neurodivergent individuals.
The artistic expression in Samhain is expected to resonate with a wide audience, fostering empathy and encouraging a more compassionate outlook on autism and the families who embrace it. It serves as a poignant reminder that understanding and acceptance are not just individual responsibilities but societal imperatives.
See Amy’s snaps from Samhain below:
