On April 2nd, many observed World Autism Awareness Day but you can still honor those with autism throughout April which is World Autism Month! This month, it is especially important to share and watch stories that shine a light on those in the autistic community. Below is our list of inspirational films and documentaries that explore autistic characters:
Jack of the Red Hearts
A teenage con artist, Jack (AnnaSophia Robb) tricks a family into hiring her as a live-in companion for their autistic daughter, Glory (Taylor Richardson). The redemptive drama features performances from Scott Cohen, Famke Janssen, and Israel Broussard. This heartwarming film is directed by Janet Grillo, ex-wife of the remarkable David O. Russell. This is just one of the best films to illustrate the challenges families face when raising a child with disabilities.
Check out our review of Jack of the Red Hearts
Get your copy of the Jack of the Red Hearts DVD by clicking here.
Autism in Love
A sweet documentary that explores the lives of four adults on the autism spectrum navigating romantic relationships, dating, and love life. Matt Fuller’s moving film explores the different ways individuals with autism build relationships and attempts to find romantic fulfillment.
Check out our review of Autism in Love
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Lasse Hallström’s film is based on the popular book by Peter Hedges, who also wrote the screenplay for the film, which centers on Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) and his life living in the small town of Endora, Iowa. Gilbert acts as the primary caretaker for his younger autistic brother Arnie, (Leonardo DiCaprio). DiCaprio’s tender and sharp performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination. His character isn’t mentioned as being autistic, but he has similar traits. This emotional family story is a classic watch.
Check out our review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape
Get your copy of the What's Eating Gilbert Grape DVD by clicking here.
How to Dance in Ohio
The film is centered around three teenage girls who are on the autism spectrum and spend 12 weeks participating and preparing for a Spring Formal. They work with Amigo Family Counseling to excel in practicing their social skills as the film shows their therapy sessions and relationships with their families as the film celebrates a touching story of human connection.
Check out our review of How to Dance in Ohio
Get your copy of the How to Dance in Ohio DVD by clicking here.
Life, Animated
A coming-of-age story based on Ron Suskind’s 2014 book Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism. The story is centered around his son, Owen, who struggles and has difficult challenges with autism, as the documentary shows he learned how to communicate through Disney animated films such as Aladdin, Peter Pan, and The Lion King. Roger Ross Williams’ film is a beautiful family journey that features a heartwarming message.
Check out our review of Life, Animated
Get your copy of the Life, Animated DVD by clicking here.
Temple Grandin
Directed by Mick Jackson, Temple Grandin is based on two books written by Temple Grandin, Emergence and Thinking in Pictures. The film is a biopic of Grandin's life as an autistic woman who became one of the most well-known scientists in the humane livestock handling industry. Grandin, who has a deep love for animals, worked hard to achieve her goals and earned a Ph.D. Claire Danes won an Emmy in 2010 for her transformative performance of the heroic figure.
Check out our review of Temple Grandin
We also recommend Temple Grandin for women in science programming.
Get your copy of the Temple Grandin Blu-ray DVD by clicking here.