The cinema and the world of series sometimes help us to see things from another point of view , to know different realities, to learn … They are tools that reflect reality, although they often go beyond it.
In this article we bring you 13 movies and series about autism that you cannot miss. As you will see, they show very diverse realities around autism , and through them you will be able to meet characters of all ages, with different degrees of autism and with different stories.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a group of disorders characterized by a persistent difficulty in the development of the socialization process (social interaction and social communication), together with a restricted pattern of behaviors and interests.
Among the ASDs we find Asperger’s Syndrome, previously called ‘high functioning autism’, since in this case the person does not present alterations in language and does have a better degree of functionality compared to autism.
Thus, we will briefly explain the plot of the films and series proposed and why we recommend them (also, from what age or stage to see them). Take note!
Five series on autism
Atypical (2017)
Atypical is a series focused on teenagers, which deals with the life of a teenager with autism, Sam, 18, who wants to fall in love . But to do this, you need to be more independent.
So he goes on a journey to find himself and challenge his family. A story full of experiences that will allow you to learn more about what it is like to live with autism in adolescence . You can watch it on Netflix.
The good Doctor
A series suitable for teenagers, which tells the story of Shaun Murphy, a talented surgeon with autism , who is hired at the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital.
But, as a result of his condition, some of his colleagues doubt his ability to care for his patients. However, little by little Shaun is showing that he is brilliant in his diagnoses.
A very entertaining series with which to break taboos and never stop learning, which you can watch on Netflix.
Love on the Autism Spectrum (2019)
In this case we do not bring you a series to use, but a reality show where all the characters that appear are real people diagnosed with autism. Thus, they do not play any role, but are themselves.
In reality, the protagonists have dates with other people also with autism and try to start friendships or whatever arises. We recommend it for its degree of veracity, ideally to see from adolescence. You can watch it on Netflix.
The Big Bang Theory
A series that became known worldwide, recommended from the age of 15, and that you surely know; The Big Bang Theory stars Sheldon Cooper, a character with very characteristic patterns of autism.
We recommend it for its great touch of humor and irony and because it allows you to know the life of a brilliant boy who sometimes encounters difficulties in his relationships.
Young Sheldon (2017)
Young Sheldon is a spin-off of The Bing Bang Theory series , and focuses on the character of Sheldon Cooper. Specifically, when this is a nine-year-old prodigy and already going to high school.
Little Sheldon lives with his family in Texas, and the series is very focused on addressing the relationship he has with them, his life in high school, with his other classmates, etc. A series with very good reviews, entertaining and dynamic ; suitable for children.
Eight Movies About Autism
Rain Man (1988)
We bring you Rain Man , a highly recognized and award-winning film. It tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise), a somewhat selfish young man who hopes to inherit his late father’s fortune .
One day Charlie learns that the beneficiary is his brother Raymond, a boy with autism whom he does not know, since he has always lived in a special center.
The story takes them on a long journey together, across the United States . At first Charlie is irritated by his brother’s extravagant behavior, but little by little he begins to like him.
We recommend it because of its degree of veracity, and because it will allow you to know the relationship between siblings with very different ways of being. A movie suitable for children.
Specials (2019)
Specials is a French film that tells the story of two friends, Bruno and Malik, who for 20 years have lived in a different world; that of children and adolescents with autism.
They are dedicated to training young people to be caregivers of extreme cases , through two non-profit organizations. A very human film that will touch your heart. It is recommended from 7 years.
The Orcas Lighthouse (2016)
A Spanish film suitable for children and adolescents, with very good opinions from critics. It shows the story of Lola, a mother who travels with her son with autism, Tristán, “to the end of the world” , to meet Beto.
Beto is a wildlife ranger who has a very special relationship with the wild killer whales of Argentine Patagonia.
They undertake the trip because Tristán has shown a curious empathy for the sight of the killer whales and Lola looks for everything that can help her son. A film that we recommend for its originality and its message .
Amatisima Mater (1980)
A slightly older movie that shows the story of Juan, a boy with autism. Clara, his mother, tries to educate him in such a way that he can integrate into society .
But little by little their close relationship will sink into a bubble. A film that will make you reflect and that will break your schemes. It is recommended to see from 18 years old.
Molly (1999)
Molly is an orphan girl with autism who has lived her entire life in a health center, where she receives care from all kinds of professionals.
But her older brother one day decides to get her out of there and start a life together. A movie that will surely thrill you . Ideal to watch with teenagers.
Crazy in love (2005)
Another film about autism, in this case, which deals with the story of two very unique lovers . Both suffer from an autism spectrum disorder that involves, among other symptoms, difficulties in the emotional sphere.
He, Donald, is a taxi driver and very expert in numerical calculation, and has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome; she is Isabel, a woman who will change his life.
A film that allows us to know the reality of love relationships in people with autism, and how love is not so different between people with and without disorder. Ideal to see from adolescence.
Dear John (2010)
This time we bring you a romantic drama that explains the story of John, a young military man who is seen by others as someone very eccentric and reserved.
During a leave he meets Savannah, a university student with whom he begins a love affair with certain obstacles. But in this film , autism is not suffered by the protagonist, but by his father , so the approach to autism is rather peripheral.
Specifically, John’s father suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome; It is about a lonely man who does not have a very fluid relationship with his son, and who is also passionate about collecting coins (his only topic of conversation). Ideal to see from adolescence.
My name is Khan (2010)
An Indian film, recommended from the age of eight, also highly recommended and that explains the story of Rizwan Khan, a Muslim boy who grows up with his mother in Borivali , Bombay, and who has Asperger’s Syndrome.
The movie progresses and we watch him grow into adulthood when he falls in love with Mandira, a single Hindu mother who lives in San Francisco.
Their relationship will not be without difficulties, but also good times. An emotional, close, hard, real movie. We recommend it, among other reasons, because it addresses the life of a person with autism in all its stages (from infancy to old age).
Photos | Cover (Series: Young Sheldon)
Babies and more | 15 Frequently Asked Questions About Autism, This Is How A Child With Autism Sees The World: Take A Minute In Their Place
