Autism Awareness Day 2025: Features you can watch to understand Autism better
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts one in hundred children, according to WHO (World Health Organisation). It can be diagnosed by a specialist by the age of two and it has been divided into various levels, based on the support autistic individuals require. Autism level 1 means you require support, level 2 means requiring substantial support and level 3 means requiring very substantial support. Over the years the understanding and definition of autism has been expanding and the depiction of autism in popular culture has also evolved over time. It is important to showcase autism on television and in cinema without stigmatising it while also portraying the true challenges and obstacles families go through as they navigate neurodiversity.
In celebration of Autism Awareness Day 2025, here are a few shows and films you can watch to help you understand autism better:
1. Parenthood (American tv series, available on Netflix)
Running from March 2010 to January 2015, this series on NBC was inspired by a film of the same name. It follows the trajectory of the Braverman family. Parenthood accurately and empathetically depicts Max Braverman (Max Burkholder), a young child who is diagnosed with autism when he frequently has meltdowns in school. His parents Adam and Kristina (Peter Krause and Monica Potter) go through various stages of difficulties as they come to terms with his diagnosis and advocate for their son while also trying to parent a teenage daughter. Later in the series, the show also features Ray Romano as Hank Rizzoli who also discovers that he has a lot in common with Max and looks into his own neurodiverse personality. The show brilliantly encapsulates the challenges of high-functioning autism and the various challenges that come along with it. The show has various realistic plotlines such as family members being unable to understand the challenges that caregiving families face, as well as the stigma and bullying that autistic individuals may have to live with.
2. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (K drama series, available on Netflix)
Park Eu-bin stars as Woo Young-Woo, an autistic girl who grows up to be an ace lawyer. Written by Moon Ji-won this Korean drama may be whimsical and humorous as well as delightfully romantic at times, but it doesn't shy away from the harsher truths about autism. In one of the episodes, it shows a legal case where a severely autistic individual is accused of murder. There are also several difficulties that Young-Woo faces as she tries to crack cases and work in a high-powered legal firm
3. Atypical (Netflix original series)
Created by Robia Rashid, this Netflix original feature is a family drama that revolves around Sam Gardner (Keir Gilchrist). Sam is a talented artist but the lack of his social graces and understanding of neurotypical life often is a challenge for his family. The show depicts stimming and Autism support groups in ample detail. It provides hope and realism for various families who have faced what Sam's family faces. It also showcases various empathetic characters that help in making Sam's life better.
4. The Good Doctor (American series, based on a Korean drama, available on Netflix)
Based on a Korean drama with the same theme, this medical drama was developed by David Shore and follows the life of Dr Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore) a medical prodigy who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. The show aired on ABC from 2017 to 2024 with a focus on Shaun's professional and personal life. Nominated for various awards, the show is a gripping tale of a man with autism trying to survive in a high-pressure world of medicine and emergencies. As autistic individuals thrive in routine, the unexpectedness of the medical world often throw Dr Murphy for a loop.
5. Derry Girls (Irish series, available on Netflix)
While it is not directly mentioned, Orla in Derry Girls (Louisa Harland) seems to show many autistic traits. She often says literal things and socially inappropriate statements and has certain physical habits that may put her under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum. The show is based in Derry, Northern Ireland and is developed by Lisa McGee who modeled the show on her own experience of growing up in Derry. It follows various political upheavals in Northern Ireland in the 90s and Orla's character is delightful in the show.
6. Big Bang Theory (American tv series, available on Netflix)
Sheldon Cooper, the iconic theoretical physicist in the hit sitcom Big Bang Theory, created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady aired from 2007 to 2019. Due to his quirks, his extensive knowledge of minutiae and lack of social understanding of a vastly neurotypical world, many say that Sheldon Cooper is on the Autism Spectrum. The prequel to the show, Young Sheldon, also showcases how Sheldon Cooper is autistic.
7. Community (American tv series, available on Apple TV)
Created by Dan Harmon, Community was a tv series that ran from 2009 to 2014 on NBC where Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi) showcases autistic characteristics. He has wise and keen insights on human behaviour and often is the smartest person in the room. The show follows the lead character Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), a smart talking former lawyer who has to complete his degree in a community college.
There are also other films that you can watch to help you understand autism more. The film I Used To Be Famous follows a has been pop star who befriends an autistic child who has a knack for playing drums. The Accountant starring Ben Affleck (with a sequel incoming) centers on an autistic boy Christian Wolff whose father raises him to be adept at martial arts. Rain Man, Mercury Rising, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, and I am Sam are also films heavily focused on autistic characters.
While popular culture has done a great service in helping educate masses about autism, there needs to be more focus on autism as well as autism research, in how life is very different for each autistic individual. Many popular films and shows also focus on high-functioning autism and don't really go into the more challenging territory of what life is like for families who have individuals with autism who require higher level of support.
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