Autism is a misunderstood social and neurological condition. Autistic and neurodiverse individuals have unique ways in which they navigate the world. What is considered neurotypical or normal is not easily defined. In fact, autism was believed to be a form of schizophrenia exclusive to children and characterized as having and using childlike fantasies to deal with harsh realities. Through thoughts, feelings, actions, and words, autism and neurodiversity teaches us to be more understanding, and that "normal" is different for everyone. April celebrates Autism Awareness Month and the initiatives supporting the development and everyday lives of those on the spectrum.
10 A Brilliant Young Mind (2014)
A Brilliant Young Mind, also known as X+Y in Britain, is about nine-year-old math prodigy Nathan Ellis (Asa Butterfield). He has difficulty relating to people after being diagnosed with autism and the death of his biggest advocate, his father. Nathan finds comfort in numbers and solace in his math teacher and a classmate who help him train for a math competition. When his relationship with the student is forbidden, his emotions and problem-solving prowess cause him paralyzing distress. Nathan ultimately forgoes competing and shares his feelings for the first time.
9 Adam (2009)
Adam is about a relationship between a man with Asperger syndrome named Adam Ranki (Hugh Dancy) and Beth Buchwald (Rose Byrne) who is neurotypical. Adam lives alone after the death of his father and shortly loses his job at a toy factory. Adam is habitually antisocial but wishes he wasn't so lonely. Beth is a school teacher and children's book author who becomes smitten with Adam after learning how his mind works. She accepts and likes his innocent honesty and quirks, but decides that his lack of emotions cannot keep the relationship going.
8 Joyful Noise (2012)
Joyful Noise follows Gospel choir director Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) whose son Walter (Dexter Darden) has Asperger syndrome. The town church debates whether the singers should sing in a contemporary or traditional style. Meanwhile, a lonely Walter is struggling with the way people see him. He admits to his mother how he hates the way God made him, but she tells Walter that God made him the way he is and that he should be exactly who he is. The self-love leads to Walter learning to play the piano for the choir.
7 Keep the Change (2017)
Keep the Change is a romantic comedy about adults with autism. David and Sarah meet at a social support group, but both have different ideas about life. David chases the proverbial "good life" with a playboy persona and offensive sense of humor. Sarah is more down-to-earth and helps David see his best qualities. The two develop a real connection by learning how they understand the world.
6 Life, Animated (2016)
Life, Animated is based on the book Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism by Ron Suskind. The documentary explores his son's autism diagnosis, Owen Suskind. Owen had autism since age three, retreating into a nonverbal silence. He began to open up when he watched animated Disney films. Using the stories to create his own, Owen was able to express himself. As an adult, Owen also learns that there is more to life than what an animated picture can share in two hours or less.
5 Please Stand By (2017)
Please Stand By is about a young autistic woman named Wendy (Dakota Fanning) who grows up in a group home. Wendy is a fan of Star Trek and writes a 450-page screenplay for Paramount Pictures. She travels to Los Angeles to deliver the studio her script, with the hopes of buying back her childhood home. Wendy ventured outside her comfort zone, proving that she was capable of being independent.
4 Rain Man (1988)
UA
Rain Man is about two brothers and a deceased father's inheritance. Charlie Babbitt (Tom Cruise) sells collectible cars for a living and selfishly wants to claim his father's inheritance. He is given rosebushes and his father's car they both bitterly fought over. The money however is given to his brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman) who he never knew existed. Raymond has savant syndrome and autism, keeping to strict routines. Charlie fights for custody of Raymond to selfishly take the inheritance, but learns to bond with and take care of his brother.
3 Temple Grandin (2010)
Temple Grandin is a biographical drama about the animal behavior scientist of the same name. Temple (Claire Danes) grew up uncommunicative and was raised by her protective mother. She works on her aunt and uncle's ranch, learning about how livestock are managed and prepared on cattle ranches and slaughterhouses. Temple developed the squeeze or hug machine for animals to prevent them from feeling anxious when being herded. The therapeutic device led the way for humane treatment of farm animals. Temple's innovation also allowed her to express her want for and repulsion to touch, and advocate for others on the spectrum.
2 The Reason I Jump (2020)
The Reason I Jump is a documentary adapted from the book of the same name by Naoki Higashida. The author has nonverbal autism, leading experts of pediatrics and psychology to discredit his writing process and work. The novel and documentary are told through a series of questions that are commonly asked of autistic persons. Higashida also recounts memories and experiences of not being able to share his feelings with his loved ones.
1 The Story of Luke (2012)
The Story of Luke is about a young man named Luke (Lou Taylor Pucci) with high-functioning autism. He tries to find a job and a girlfriend, with mixed results. On the job search, he takes the bus like others going to work without knowing first where to apply. He takes dating advice literally, sharing with a female coworker that he is looking for a woman that doesn't nag and likes to travel. Luke's life events are challenges and triumphs for the autism community, as well as a look into the nuances and truth autistic people are capable of.