movies about autism that will help you understand an autism diagnosis

These movies about autism give quite an honest portrayal of what autism is and how it manifests. Autism is complex and can be difficult to understand. Use these films to better understand the behaviors that are associated with autism. Make sure you check out these autism books next.

What are the signs of autism?

Autism manifests differently in different individuals but there are some signs of autism that are essential to an autism diagnosis and are present in most individuals on the autism spectrum.

These include :

Avoiding eye contact
Lining up objects
Need for routine
Obsessions for favorite objects
Repetitive (or stereotypical) movements
Hyperactivity or passiveness
Difficulty communicating

Movies about autism

Temple Grandin

I am starting this list with my favorite movie about autism!

Claire Danes does a phenomenal job portraying animal scientist and autism rights advocate, Temple Grandin.

Grandin has played an important role in improving the human handling of livestock on cattle ranches and in slaughterhouses.

Danes does a fantastic job showing the unique challenges and behaviors of Temple Grandin and even won an Emmy for her portrayal of Grandin.

What the trailer below

Rainman

This may be the best known film portrayal of a person with autism. Dustin Hoffman plays Raymond Babbitt, starring opposite Tom Cruise. This was the first accurate representation of a character with autism in a film.

The role of Babbitt was based on the real life autistic savant, Kim Peek. In order to accurately portray Peek, Hoffman spent time with him, studying his behavior.

It is important to note that although this film accurately depicted Peek’s behavior and his unusual savant qualities, it created some controversy in the autism community because people started to believe that all people with autism have savant qualities which is far from true! In reality, o nly about 10% of autistic individuals have savant qualities.

Watch the trailer below :

What’s Eating Gilbert Grape

Leonardo DiCaprio played the Johnny Depp’s younger brother in this endearing family drama. He did such a great job that he received his first Oscar for this role.

While preparing for the role, DiCaprio spent time visiting assisted living facilities and studied a variety of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder and a range of other developmental disabilities. He adopted repetitive and stereotypical behaviors that are so common in autism.

The film does a really great job of showing the unique challenges that families of individuals with autism face. Depp’s character show the frustration and anger he feels for being trapped in a caretaker role. This may feel familiar for many parents and siblings of kids with ASD.

Watch the trailer below :

Fly Away

Inspired to share her experiences as a mother of a child with ASD and show the world the reality of living with autism, filmmaker Janet Grillo created the documentary “Autism: The Musical” about five kids with autism attending a theatrical workshop and producing a play, before creating her film “Fly Away”.

“Fly Away” shares the story of a family challenged by the experiences of raising an autistic daughter. The parents are divorced and the daughter, played by Ashley Rickards, is being raised by her single mother. The film shares an honest portrayal of the mom’s struggles. She does her best to raise her daughter alone, but her personal life, work and relationships suffer.

Watch the trailer below :

Jack of the Red Hearts

“Jack of the Red Hearts” is also by Janet Grillo addresses autism again but also shares the story of a struggling runaway who becomes a therapist for a child with autism. This fictional drama is heartwarming.

Watch the trailer below :

Shows about autism

Atypical

I love this show! Have you seen it? What I appreciate most about this show is that it depicts living with autism as a teenager.

Watch the trailer below :

The Bridge

Although murder mysteries are not typically my thing, this Scandinavian murder series has become quite popular.

What is interesting about it to me is that one of the main characters is autistic. Although the character’s autism is not the focus of the plot, her autism is clear through the character’s personality traits and behaviors.

Watch the trailer below :

Learn More About Autism with These Articles

Autism Books
Early Signs of Autism in Babies
Myths About Autism
Free Printable Toy Checklist (the toys and learning materials you need to teach a child with autism)
Create a Progress Nook (your adapted learning space)
Sensory Toys Every Child with Autism Needs at Home

Autism Learning Resources

The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!