Thank G-d we are living in a world where autism and special needs are so prevalent that writers are now scripting high-rated television shows and movies around main characters with developmental disabilities. And some of them are brilliantly produced, directed and acted! Here are a few that come to mind that I have seen throughout the years:
1) Rainman: This is Autism101 and a must watch for all! A coming of age story about a young adult who is having financial problems and learns his recently deceased father left his entire inheritance to an autistic brother he never knew he had. It shows the evolution of his character through a cross-country road trip with his brother Raymond who he starts to remember having called "Rainman" when he was a child. Tom Cruise plays the younger brother to perfection and Dustin Hoffman....it's as if you are watching a documentary. His performance is based on a real life person who in addition to having autism, has savant abilities. I am sure most people are familiar with this Oscar winning movie...but if not....put it on your instant queue to watch immediately!
2) A Brilliant Young Mind (Original Title: X & Y): This is an independent film made in England that I accidentally stumbled upon. I was intrigued by the subject line of the movie which hinted that it is about a young boy with autism...and sure enough...ten minutes into the film we realize it is indeed about the coming of age of a high-functioning autistic savant who is highly skilled in mathematics. I loved every performance in this movie. The main character is a beautiful boy who just really seems quiet and to himself....nothing you'd really expect as autistic. But you see many more characters on the spectrum when he takes a trip to Japan with his peers for a math competition. And you see the range of the spectrum through these other brilliant children. It is a very naturally done movie and you see how the main character blossoms when immersed in the Japanese culture. It is one of my favorite movies ever. Really stayed with me.
3) Atypical: Finally a comedy about autism spectrum disorder! Well...a dramedy really....but good enough. This is a Netflix series about an adolescent boy with autism spectrum disorder (just your typical socially awkward high school student) and his day to day life. It shows how his disability affects his family and his relationships. It is a slow and brilliant build up to the season finale. Characters you hate you later learn to appreciate. It is the truest thing I've seen on television about how autism effects everyone in a family and how much we rely on therapists, who are just ordinary people with ordinary lives and ordinary problems, who we perceive as G-d. You will laugh out loud and cry every episode. Brilliant brilliant brilliant!
4) The Good Doctor: Cheesefest galore. Cliche times a billion. But a compelling lead actor who plays the role of a high-functioning autistic man. I actually see a lot of my son in his portrayal of a quirky and lovable young adult. I honestly just watch for his performance! Airs on ABC every week and at one point was its highest rated show its premier season.
5) Life, Animated: A documentary about the child of a former Wall Street Journal journalist who had regressive autism and started speaking again at age seven. A fascinating coming of age story about a dad's mission to get his child to speak through all things Disney. And a young adult who has to learn how to live independently. The take-away line comes from the mother who states "who decides what a meaningful life is?"
6) Julia on Sesame Street: Julia is a four-year-old girl with autism who was introduced as an official character back in 2017. This is a beautifully developed character and if you can’t catch an episode, be sure to youtube anything you can find on her. And make sure to watch it with your children! And if you are a parent with a special needs child, definitely watch it with the affected child and his/her sibling(s). Julia raises tons of awareness, especially to this younger children who is far more exposed to autism than we ever were. It’s a great learning opportunity for children and adults alike! And it was the best way for me to explain what autism is to my neuro-typical child. It took a lot of weight off the word and I just simply asked him (who was 6 at the time) “who does Julia remind you of?” he smiled and named his brother.
The one problem I've heard from other parents of children on the spectrum is that there aren't really any shows out there that depict their severely impacted child. And that what's presented in the media is often sugar-coated. Which is understandable as heavy subject matters are not always a ratings draw. But hopefully one day, writers will begin to crack the surface and write stories that relate to the wider range of people on the spectrum.
There is so much more literature and material about autism I haven't got around to reading or watching. But the ones mentioned above are a few you should definitely give a try. Please add any film, book, tv show, or blog that you find relatable in the comments section below!