April is Autism Acceptance Month, a moment to honor and celebrate the identities and experiences of people with autism. The commemorative month is part of a global movement to advocate for understanding and inclusion for members of the autism community — going beyond awareness toward meaningful acceptance.

Watching these movies and shows is a first step in that direction. These titles include a heartfelt family dramedy, an award-winning docuseries, a legal K-drama, and a cherished chronicle of first dates. Made up of different genres and formats, these picks all remind us of the sentiments of the notoriously romantic Michael from Love on the Spectrum: Australia. 

“Autism is just a neurological disability,” he explains in the first episode. “They just learn things a different way. As far as I’m concerned, if anything, it’s actually more of a gift.”

Atypical

Meet Sam (Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum who loves art and penguins — and he wants more independence. As he embarks on a relatable journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change and face a central question: “What even is normal?” Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michael Rapaport, Jack Haven, and Amy Okuda also star in the four-season series. Professor Michelle Dean advised on the series to help guide an accurate depiction of autism spectrum disorder.

Atypical

4 Saisons   13+   2017

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Extraordinary Attorney Woo

This heartwarming K-drama stars Park Eun-bin (The King’s Affection) as Woo Young-woo, a brilliant attorney who’s blessed with a unique and quirky way of solving cases. The series sees her tackling challenges in the courtroom and beyond as both a newbie at a top firm and a woman on the autism spectrum. “I received advice from university professors who are experts on autism spectrum disorder,” she said of playing the role. “The screenwriter and directors also did their research, taking care to craft the characters thoughtfully and sensitively.”

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

16+   2022

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Fern Brady: Autistic Bikini Queen

“There’s not a lot of representation of hot women within the autistic community, so I figured, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’ ” jokes Fern Brady in her stand-up special, filmed at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol, England. Despite her opening statement that “almost none of the show is about autism,” the Scottish comedian peppers the hour with funny moments about receiving her diagnosis as an adult and the oddities of neurotypical people — topics she explored in her critically acclaimed memoir, Strong Female Character.

Fern Brady: Autistic Bikini Queen

0h 57m   13+   2024

Remind Me

Love on the Spectrum

Both the original Australian docuseries and the American iteration follow young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of romance — from first-date jitters to the joys of hitting it off with someone new and even moments of heartbreak. It features “a breadth of people, with some people that have low-support needs and some people that have high-support needs,” said director Cian O’Clery. “That was the most important thing, representing that, so that people don’t make assumptions about someone just because of a diagnosis.”

Histoires d'amour et d'autisme

13+   2022

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Explore

Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World

This compelling documentary short introduces Makayla, a teenage girl living with a rare form of autism that has rendered her essentially nonverbal. Her parents, driven by an unwavering belief in her potential, set out on a journey to uncover and understand the true depth of her inner world. Through the use of a letter board, Makayla unlocks a joyous world of self-expression and shares her voice for the first time.

La Voix de Makayla : Lettres au monde

0h 24m   7+   2024

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You Can’t Ask That

Do you ever wish you could ask someone a question — anonymously and free of judgment? This Australian docuseries — which won the Rose d’Or for Best Reality or Factual Entertainment — sees people from marginalized groups responding candidly to questions about their identities and experiences. Among entries about schizophrenia, nudists, and war veterans is Episode 4 of Season 5, in which eight people with autism speak openly about their lives. They discuss such things as dealing with discrimination and looking people in the eye.