How understanding autism became a personal mission

Growing up, I didn’t know much about autism. My mother, a school teacher with a psychology background, would often share stories of her students on the autism spectrum. Her empathy and patience shaped my early understanding. But it wasn’t until recently, when I met an autistic family member, that my curiosity deepened.

I started seeking stories that offered real insights into the lives of autistic individuals. That’s when Temple Grandin and As We See It became more than just entertainment — they became windows into a world that many of us need to understand better.

lessons from temple grandin (movie)

Mary Temple Grandin is an American academic and ethologist. She is a prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behaviour.

Watching Temple Grandin, I admired how Temple’s journey was shaped by her perseverance and the people around her.

Here are three key moments that stood out:

1. A mother’s belief: Temple’s mother refused to accept that her daughter couldn’t learn. She disciplined Temple with love, teaching her how to navigate a world that often creates challenges for autistic individuals. It reminded me how essential early support is.
2. A mentor’s encouragement: One of my favorite characters- Dr. Carlock, her science teacher, helped Temple embrace her neurodiverse way of thinking. His guidance and belief in her abilities pushed her to thrive in environments where she wasn’t always accepted.
3. The blind roommate connection: During college, Temple befriends a roommate who is blind; who listens to her ideas with genuine curiosity. This connection helps Temple open up, showing how sometimes, unexpected friendships can lead to self-discovery.

These moments highlight the importance of supportive communities and how those around autistic individuals play a key role in nurturing their talents.

lessons from as we see it (TV series)

In As We See It, we follow three autistic roommates navigating adulthood, and the most meaningful lessons came not just from the characters themselves but from the people around them.

Here’s what resonated with me:

1. Family growth: The families of the characters learn, step by step, how to support their autistic loved ones. They make mistakes, but they adapt, teaching us that understanding autism is a journey.
2. Creating comfort: Small changes, like adjusting the lighting or using clearer language, can significantly affect some autistic individuals. The show demonstrates how empathy and patience help autistic individuals feel understood.
3. Authentic portrayal: What sets this show apart is that autistic actors play autistic roles. This gives viewers a raw and real understanding of the spectrum and helps break down stereotypes.

practical tips for supporting autistic individuals

These stories offer lessons we can all learn from. Here are some practical ways to support autistic individuals in your life:

1. Respect their space: Not everyone is comfortable with physical touch. Always ask before reaching out.
2. Don’t force eye contact: Many autistic people find direct eye contact uncomfortable. Respect that.
3. Be clear: Use straightforward language. Avoid metaphors that may confuse.
4. Give them time: Processing information may take longer for some autistic individuals. Be patient and give them time to respond.
5. Watch for sensory triggers: Loud noises or bright lights can be overwhelming. Adjust environments to help them feel at ease.
6. Support routines: Routines can be important for many autistic individuals. Respecting them can bring comfort.

Drawings by a child with autism on the subject “Me and my friends”

let’s change how we understand autism

Autism isn’t something to ‘fix’ or ‘overcome’ — it’s a part of an individual’s identity and way of being that we should understand and respect. Movies like Temple Grandin and shows like As We See It offer us the opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, to see the world from a different perspective.

I encourage you to explore these films and shows, and more importantly, to take these lessons into your everyday life. Be patient, be open, and learn to see the world as a place where every individual — autistic or not — can thrive.

Next on my list is the Hindi film Barfi, which I hear does a fantastic job portraying autism. If you haven’t watched it yet, add it to your list. It could be the next step in broadening your understanding.