Welcome to the Beacon. This week we are in California where a studio is helping autistic adults find Hollywood careers.

Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit ‌vocational academy and visual effects studio for adults with autism. It trains autistic artists to help them launch careers in the film industry.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interactions, behavior and how the brain processes the world, all of which can present challenges in the workplace. 

The organization trains about 250 autistic adults each year. Class sizes are kept small, and instructors are trained in how to adjust timelines or otherwise accommodate the needs of students.

Exceptional Minds artists have contributed to 19 Oscar-winning or nominated films. They have worked on every Marvel movie since 2015.

Animation Artist Alex Abrusia works on a drawing at the Exceptional Minds Academy in Sherman Oaks. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

"We do mock interviews (to) get us comfortable talking to people, talking about our work, building our confidence," said  Alex Abrusia. "I've grown a lot because of that."

A rare “superbloom” is sweeping across California's Death Valley National Park, transforming normally barren stretches of gravel and rock into sweeping fields of colorful wildflowers. Park ranger Jennette Jurado said this year’s display is the strongest the park has seen since 2016.

A class at the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton where children from under-privileged communities are taught to ride. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Brixton's Ebony Horse Club, tucked away in one of London's most deprived areas, is doing something quietly extraordinary. The charity offers riding lessons to around 160 children a week. Many of the children have never been near a horse before.

In other parts of London, a 30-minute riding lesson can cost £50, but Ebony's lessons are free.

Riding teacher Rachel Scott-Hayward told Reuters: "When you're on a horse, you can't really think about too much else." A welcome relief in an age of growing anxiety and screen time for children.