The 8 best movies about autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with chronic symptoms. and that appear in childhood. They affect behavior, communication and interaction with other people, causing a certain rejection in some sectors of the population. There are multiple associations that fight against it by creating awareness campaigns, often supported by books or films about autism.

In general, ASD has no solution, but there are many ways to maximize the abilities of the person who suffers from this condition. The sooner you start with them, the easier it will be to develop them and learn new patterns, Therefore, it is recommended that you start from the moment it is detected.

Existing treatments include behavioral therapies, but sometimes also medication to alleviate symptoms. Some drugs used are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, to treat anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder; anticonvulsants; stimulants for those who manifest hyperactive behaviors or for more serious cases, antipsychotics.
The family, along with the affected person, are the main victims of social exclusion. Situations as normal as going shopping or taking a walk can become really unpleasant when others judge. There are cases in which other people even advise not letting the person who suffers from autism leave the house or even hitting them “so that they learn to behave.”

Ignorance is the cause of this type of recommendations, in addition to a lack of sensitivity. For this reason, films about autism are great allies for the cause. Cinema has the ability to attract the public, provoke emotions and make us understand contexts and situations unknown to each of us.

The 8 best films about autism: a song to reflection

An unexpected Journey

A teenager Zac Efron plays Stephen, a boy who Like his brother, he has autism. Their mother’s struggle to support them is the fundamental theme of the film. Despite all the rejection that the family suffers from schools and institutions, the children manage to develop many of their social skills, coming to excel in some of them.

Stephen turns out to be an exceptional runner and his brother Douglas a fantastic guitarist. Both, along with the help of his mother, They end up creating the “Miracle Run” association, specialized in research for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

rain man

Rain man is one of the best-known films about autism. This film, starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, earned the latter an Oscar for best performance. It tells us the story of Charles, a young car salesman who discovers at his father’s funeral that he has a secret older brother. This one, played by Hoffman, has autism and has also inherited a large part of the inheritance.

Charles decides to kidnap him to demand his rest of the money, but ends up becoming fond of him. Although at first he feels irritated by his behavior, little by little and through a lively car trip through the United States, he ends up knowing and loving his brother.

The Orca Lighthouse

Based on a true story, like other films about autism, “The Orca Lighthouse” tells the story of Lola, a courageous mother who travels 14,000 kilometers to help her son Tristan. He, who suffers from autism, feels a special connection with the orcas, which leads Lola to visit the coasts of Argentine Patagonia with him.

There they will meet Beto, a wildlife guard who at first is not very happy with their visit. In the end, he will end up discovering that He shares with Tristan a very similar sensitivity when relating to these animals.

Molly

This unclassifiable tragicomedy It is about the life of Molly, a woman with autism who is placed under the guardianship of her neurotic brother Buck. The doctors inform him that an experimental operation using healthy brain cells could cure Molly, but at a high price. He gives consent and Molly’s operation turns out to be a success.

Buck begins taking her to social events like the theater or baseball games while she begins a relationship with another autistic ex. The problem reappears when after a few months, Molly’s brain begins to reject the new transplanted cells.

Mozart and the whale

In this case, the film is about Asperger Syndrome, a variant of autism. The protagonist is called Donald, and He decides to create a group of people with the same condition to seek support. He soon meets Isabelle, with whom he falls madly in love.

Both begin a relationship that is not without complications. His story is also based on real events and is quite curious: Jerry, the real protagonist, discovered that he suffered from Asperger’s after watching the movie Rainman.

My name is Khan

Rizvan Khan is an Indian boy who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome. He has many difficulties relating to other children his age, but has an extraordinary talent for mechanics. This gift allows him to support his poor family by repairing multiple objects.

When his father dies, he moves to the United States to live with his brother. His wife, a psychology professor, will help him overcome the obstacles, which will be many. He will not only suffer rejection because of his condition, but also because he is Muslim.

an unexpected friend

“An Unexpected Friend” is a British feature film based on a book called “A Friend like Henry.” Movies about autism almost always present the figure of selfless parents, who do not hesitate to sacrifice other aspects of their life. Here, Nicola’s countless efforts to help her son Kyle cause her terrible stress, in addition to starting to generate problems in your marriage. His only support is his parents, especially Pat, his mother.

One morning they find a dog and decide to keep it to see how Kyle reacts. This one calls him Thomas, and A very special connection soon emerges between the dog and the child.. Unfortunately, Pat’s death wreaks havoc on Thomas, whose behavior, which had noticeably improved, begins to change.

So strong so close

This drama introduces us to Oskar Schnell, a nine-year-old boy with autism. His relationship with his father is very close. since this always encourages and motivates him to interact with others. Together they play games and investigate, trying to help Oskar learn certain skills. Unfortunately, the father dies during the September 11 attacks, leaving the child in the care of a mother who sinks into sadness and depression.

A year later he finds a hidden key in his father’s vase. This discovery, along with other clues, will make him search New York to find the person who knows where the object fits. Along the way he will meet many people who They will help you overcome certain vital obstacles, such as riding the subway or crossing a bridge.

These films about autism, in addition to being beneficial, are essential to understanding the situation experienced by those affected and their families. Ostracism, suffering and abandonment are recurring themes, but so is the ability to overcome and optimism. Both sides of the coin are necessary to deal with a condition that, although there is no cure, can be treated with the help of specialists.

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