LibGuides: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Media

Documentaries

Neurotypical: Normal is a Cycle on a Washing Machine
Neurotypical is a term used by autistic people to describe non-austistic people. This film follows Violet, Nicholas, and Paula, all people with autism in different stages of their lives. The film urges audiences to rethink what it means to be "normal."
Loving Lampposts: Living Austistic
This film explores the debate in the autistic community: whether autistic needs a cure. Therapists, parents, doctors, and autistic people all give their experience and help to show the various answers to the question of whether or not autism is a disease or just a different way of life.
Wretches & Jabberers
Follow Tracy Thresher, 42, and Larry Bissonnette, 52, who both have autism. In the film, they travel the world seeking to meet up with others who have autism and discuss public opinions and opportunities for the future.

Films

Adam
Adam, who has Asperger's Syndrome, develops a relationship with his new neighbor, Beth. Their unlikely relationship shows how anyone can make extraordinary connections.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
Gilbert Grape lives in a town where nothing happens. His younger brother Arnie is on the spectrum. A young woman comes into town and shakes things up for Gilbert and his family.
Rain Man
Dustin Hoffman plays probably the most well-known autistic character in popular culture. A young man doesn't get the inheritance he was planning on, so he kidnaps his autistic brother and they go on a trip of a lifetime.
Snow Cake
Alex offers a ride to hitchhiker, only to get in a terrible car accident which kills the hitchhiker. Alex then becomes close with the hitchhiker's family, one of whom is on the spectrum.

Television Characters on the Autism Spectrum

Max Braverman-Parenthood (Asperger's) pictured above

Abed Nadir-Community (never explicitly mentioned, but many fans assume he has Asperger's) pictured above

Sam Gardner-Atypical (Autism) pictured above

Sheldon Cooper-The Big Bang Theory (Autism) pictured above

Disclaimer

Please note that these films, documentaries, and television shows do not necessarily portray the experience of any or all individuals who are on the autism spectrum.