When I give talks as a professional speaker I often talk about the work I’ve done to bring a realistic portrayal of disability to our entertainment industry. If you’d like me to speak to your organization contact me anytime here. Countless films in the past few years have come out about autism! Here are several that are currently available to watch on Netflix for you to enjoy…
1. Autism in Love
This film was just released on Netflix this April for our community to enjoy! As shared in their plot summary…
“Autism in Love follows the story of four adults with an autism spectrum disorder as they search for and manage romantic relationships. Lenny, a 22 year-old native Californian, has been struggling to come to terms with who he is and accept autism. This label has been one of the biggest hurdles for him to overcome and has made meeting girls and dating seemingly impossible. As a young man, he’s beginning to have strong sexual desires and impulses, and he’s not quite sure what to do with those. Dave and Lindsey have been together for 8 years. Like most committed couples, they’ve been in different places at different times during the course of their relationship. Now, they have finally reached the point where they need to align themselves as individuals so they can unite as a strong couple ready to enter a marriage successfully. In the twilight of his 20-year marriage, Stephen and Gita are going through the biggest challenge of their relationship when it’s revealed that Gita has been battling ovarian cancer for a few years. Although Stephen is the participant most profoundly affected by his autism, it is clear to see that their love for each other is as real as it gets. These heartbreaking and brave individuals round up the ensemble cast of Autism in Love as they take audiences on a journey that urges them question and reevaluate their own ideals of what it means to love and be loved.”
2. Joyful Noise
Joyful Noise (Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton) also features a teenager on the autism spectrum. I was brought on to make sure that the character’s portrayal was as realistic as possible.
3. A Boy Called Po
A single dad tries to connect with his son who is on the autism spectrum.
4. Wizard Mode
This film looks at a pinball expert on the autism spectrum.
5. Louis Theroux: Extreme Love – Autism
In this documentary film, Louis Theroux visits an autism school to interview families to hear their stories.
6. Atypical
While Atypical doesn’t necessarily count as a film, we wanted to spotlight this Netflix series it as it features a leading role of a young man on the autism spectrum trying to navigate life and relationships.
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