movies with realistic representation

[u/punpunloveschocopie]

I feel pretty lonely with my diagnosis and I’ve been trying to understand if better. So I’ve been seeking out series and movies with characters who are on the spectrum. The only problem, I’ve never felt too close with any of them. The only one that I’ve found actually great is “atypical” although the character’s symptoms are still quite different from mine. Often it’s presented as something great, that makes the person special and attracts either success or other people. But for me it’s been quite the opposite. I struggle a lot in both social and academical/professional matters. I’m no genius who succeeds in life and I don’t have any friends, although I’d love to have them and struggle a lot because I don’t have them. Also, I’m what people call “lighter impacted”, with less obvious symptoms (especially since I mask a lot) and I feel like most representation is on the “stronger part” of the spectrum (I’m very sorry if I use the wrong terms or offend anyone with it, I’m still trying to figure everything out) So, I’m wondering whether there are any series or movies that you can recommend me where you found a character relatable, they don’t necessarily have to officially have autism but should be what people call “autistic-coded”. Thank you in advance!

[u/three65750]

Dinosaur on BBC is quite good. I know some people don't like it, but the sensory input/sensory regulation scenes in The Accountant are some of the most relatable I've ever seen.

I've never seen a tv show or film character that I totally relate to in terms of autism, or in general. Fictional characters are never going to capture the same life experiences someone has had, or what their current day-to-day looks like. All of that - plus age, gender, location etc. - contributes to how being autistic impacts your daily life.

[u/playboywally]

i don't know if its exactly relatable but maomao from the apothecary diaries is very autism/nd coded for me :)

[u/raccoonsaff]

I havn't found many I like, to be honest. I quite like X+Y/'A Brilliant Young Mind'. But yes, most films seem to go with the 'autism and learning disabilities' stereotype or the 'savant stereotype' or just someone very type A. and high achieving. Almost always very blunt who doesn't mask mjuch, too.

There's an okay few characters who are autistic in Waterloo Road too.

And controversial but I don't mind Sheldon and Amy from Big Bang Theory!

[u/mayaesteve]

Dinner in America is a personal favorite movie and the main character is one of the few on TV/film that I feel accurately represents what it’s like to be an 20-something autistic woman.

I’ve always loved Tina from Bob’s Burgers. She’s autistic-coded and an amazingly complex and multifaceted character for an animated series.

I’ve not watched it myself, but I’ve also heard good things about the series Everything’s Going to Be Okay.