Spotlight on Autism
by Eri Akbar
As part of the Autism Awareness Month, we celebrate movies portraying individuals
on the Autism Spectrum as triumphant characters who taught us hope,
perseverance and compassion.
Please Stand By
A young autistic woman escapes from her caregiver in order
to send her manuscript to a Star Trek writing competition in
Hollywood. Starring Dakota Fanning and Toni Collette.
Released in 2017.
Snow Cake
A middle-aged woman with autism, dramatised by Sigourney
Weaver, strikes a friendship with a car wreck survivor who's
grieving over the loss of his daughter in a tragic accident. Weaver
was coached by autism author-speaker Ros Blackburn for her
role in the movie. Released in 2006.
My Name is Khan
Rizwan Khan has Asperger’s syndrome. He is detained by
American authorities under suspicion of terrorism when they
noted his odd behaviour. He is rescued by a therapist and
embarks on a mission to meet President Obama to clear his
name. This Bollywood movie is available with English subtitles.
Starring Sharukh Khan, Kajol and Sheetal Menon. Released in
2010.