Top 10 Inspirational Characters on the Autism Spectrum

Top 10 Inspirational Characters on the Autism Spectrum // Subscribe: kzbin.info?sub_c...
Representation done right! For this list, we’re looking at inspiring characters who are on the spectrum. To be eligible; the character has to be acknowledged as autistic by the show, creator, or performer; or, be viewed as a respectful presentation by the autistic community. Our list includes Raymond Babbitt, Shaun Murphy, Maurice Moss, Abed Nadir, Joe Hughes, and more! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Inspirational Movie and TV Characters on the Autism Spectrum.
List Rank and Entries:
10. Raymond Babbitt
9. Max Jerry Horowitz
8. Sam Gardner
7. Shaun Murphy
6. Maurice Moss
5. Det. Sonya Cross
4. Max Braverman
3, 2 & 1???
Check out these other great videos:
Top 10 Inspiring Celebrities with Mental Illnesses: • Top 10 Inspiring Celeb...
Top 10 Inspirational People With Autism and Asperger Syndrome: • Top 10 Inspirational P...
Top 5 Reasons You Should Watch The Good Doctor: • Top 5 Reasons You Shou...
Check out the voting page for this list and add your picks: www.watchmojo.com/suggest/Top...
Special thanks to our user Devin Marcus Sauls for suggesting this idea!
MsMojo's Social Media:
Facebook►► / mswatchmojo
Twitter►► / mswatchmojo
Instagram►► / mswatchmojo
Snapchat ►► / mswatchmojo
Get MsMojo Merchandise at www.watchmojo.com/store
Shop: shop.watchmojo.com/collection...
WatchMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#AutismAwareness #Autism #TheGoodDoctor

[@blaqkhavok35]

I have autism but there needs to be more female representation not treated like its only a disability males have. Once i got told it was weird for a girl to have it when I told someone I have it .

[@strawberrysoulforever8336]

Don't let anyone tell you that. I'm a girl with it. I also have a female friend who has it.

[@faith3139]

It's not weird to be a girl and have autism. I'm a girl and autistic. I agree also, there needs to more female representation of autism :D

[@strawberrysoulforever8336]

@@faith3139 Autism Speaks has a blue jigsaw puzzle, which also makes people think only boys have it. It's one of the many reasons Autism Speaks is really denouncing everyone on the spectrum.

[@stephenking5852]

The little amount of female autistic characters is a bit of an oversight.

[@lolamagenta]

Statistically, more males have autism, but I agree, more needs to be explored about females with autism. I do not want to see autism represented as being wrapped up in a tidy bow. It is a daily life issue that not only the people that live with the Spectrum, but their families and loved ones that work hard to enable them to have as full a life as possible while respecting their individuality.

[@zodiaccat3821]

My favorite was the “he’s not psychotic, he’s autistic.”

[@libbyallen2566]

That’s an offensive line

[@Myfavoritecuties]

That was not psychotic! This is psychotic: A man carving out a woman’s v

[@modestoctopus14]

@@libbyallen2566 can you tell me how? Shawn was defending the patient when the people bringing him in just assumed he was psychotic

[@Fau1ted]

@@libbyallen2566 As someone that actually has aspergers that was not offensive at all. If anything it's letting people know that most people with autism doesn't like to be touched which is generally true.

[@libbyallen2566]

@@Fau1ted yeah, i'm autistic myself and i hate being touched but i don't think the scene is offensive i think portrayal of the doctor is offensive.

[@Bostonterrierslol]

I have a friend who has autism. We met in my senior year of high school. She was 13 at the time and skipped a few grades to where I was at. She and I kinda bonded over video games and she still messages me everyday telling me all about her dreams of creating her own cartoon and video games series. I do enjoy talking with her, it just makes it all feel easier, and she considers me one of her few friends. The good doctor is one of my favorites, because it shows them in a positive light instead of a stereotype meant to just attract viewers

[@ddbelle2521]

@@briandooley1516 autism is just a noun and autistic is an adjective. It is not wrong to say that someone has autism or someone is autistic. You just prefer to describe someone as autistic which is perfectly fine because using either words mean the same thing. Personally I prefer to say that I have autism rather than I'm autistic but to each their own. Neither one is offensive to say because it's true.

[@gamehero6816]

@Random Gaming autistic is not a bad word. It's an identity and autistic people are going to own it, like it or not.

[@rampantbuckler818]

my one problem with autistic tv characters is they're always geniuses

[@strawberrysoulforever8336]

@Random Gaming A lot of people prefer to be called "autistic" than "having autism".

[@Myfavoritecuties]

My very first girlfriend I ever had also had autism. Her name was Anna. We were both inseparable. Whenever I get bullied or offended, she cries for me. Anna’s friend, Grace, got jealous when she sees her with me. They were both fighting over me, it’s as if they both want to fall for me. I chose to side with Anna because of how Grace treated her. She called her a crybaby and a bully, only that Grace was the bully. Anna was always nice to me, that’s what matters the most.

[@mysticloverfairy1]

They need to start representing girls on the spectrum too, it seems that every time a character is on the spectrum it's a boy. I do like that Sesame Street chose a girl to be on the spectrum. I think there are some people still think that only boys can be autistic which is why girls seem to be under represented in media.

[@mysticqueen3551]

Autistic girl here, and I agree 100%. I think I read somewhere that that's why Autism Speaks chose blue for their color, cuz of the whole "it's a male disorder" kind of thing. And not only are we underrepresented, but it can result in girls not getting services that could benefit us.

[@mysticloverfairy1]

I can’t believe they didn’t include “Jack of the Red Hearts” on this list ,it was a sweet movie about a teenage girl “Jackie” aka Jack who runs away from her foster home and gets a job taking care of a little girl with autism I don’t know if it’s still on KZbin it’s an indie film but worth checking out if you want to see a girl represented on the spectrum and not just boys,it features Anna Sophia Robb as Jackie and the actress who played Jean Grey from X-Men (forgot her name) as the Mom.

[@oreomeow2490]

I wonder if it has something to do with it being harder to detect in girls for certain things like say 'Aspergers'. Perhaps as the professionals get better at understanding autism and detecting it more easily the representation will reflect that. Just a thought. :) x

[@surprisinglysurviving751]

Agreed. The only time I saw a female character with autism was in bron/broen (the bridge is the adaptation, worse than the original sadly) she was so well played. It also amazingly showed her struggling with ignorant people and social problems. Not to mention that she kicks ass

[@julianabeltec2836]

@@surprisinglysurviving751 I love Saga Noren. I love the Swedish version better than the adaptations.

[@anthonyvasquezactor]

I have Asperger Syndrome, and I cannot thank you enough for not putting Sheldon Cooper on this list! No matter what anyone says, Sheldon Cooper is NOT a positive representation of someone on the spectrum. He is a representation of EVERY negative stereotype with NO positive traits whatsoever, and was basically just created so that viewers can laugh at a person with Asperger's without having to feel bad - they SHOULD feel bad! One of my many reasons for hating "The Big Bang Theory"!

[@anthonyvasquezactor]

@@HD_Segal Precisely! My Asperger's is not as strong as it was when I was a child. When I was a child, I behaved a lot like Sheldon - socially awkward, fidgety and often downright rude. But I was ALWAYS challenged for my bad behavior, and was always told that having Asperger's is not an excuse for being rude or inappropriate. Through much time and great effort, I overcame many of the negative traits associated with Asperger's while still maintaining its positive traits. And that's the problem with Sheldon. He's often challenged for his behavior but because of his arrogance (another negative stereotype associated with us Aspies), he sees behaving properly as beneath him.

[@DanBen07]

I have it also. Iv changed a lot scin i was young also. mum say he has it. But i say no. I agree with u on it.

[@DanBen07]

@@HD_Segal One thing about parsons is that his gay in real life.

[@jessicajayes8326]

Although it would explain a lot if he was.

[@llarmstrong783]

Anthony James Rummel i couldn't agree with you more!

[@The_Nightsong]

Autistic person here and i'm sooooo happy you made this video. I'm so sick of all comments that uses autism as an insult and a stupid reason to not vaccinate children (even though it's not true). Autism is a superpower if we're allowed to be ourselves ❤❤❤

[@ishathompson8439]

💙

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

The MMR jab has never been proven to give children a risk of getting autism

[@elisakrivas]

Exactly; the world is disabled; not us. The world dreams of superheroes, but when they come, society freaks out and calls them disabled.

[@virginiaconnor8350]

I agree this has gotten out of hand. Getting measles from someone who refused to have a vaccination can be devastating. I used to work at an institution in Ga where there were MR children, teens, and adults (many older than I) before the shots became available. How did they get autism? It was already there (along with the measles itself) and wasn't noticed til the child was a toddler or the parent missed the earlier signs. One lady speaker at a Chiropatric clinic said "Don't give your pets their shots. They might get autism." I told her she was daft and got kicked out! No vet I know verified her "facts".

[@virginiaconnor8350]

I met a lady at a Chiropatric clinic I used to go to yrs.ago. They told her not to vaccinate her dogs or they might develop autism. Yeah right. Then she had to say " I guess you believe T'Pol had Asperger's Syndrome?" She knows I'm a "Trekkie" and felt she had to talk down to me like I was 10 yrs.old.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

I'm on the autism spectrum, and watching Mary and Max was one of the few times I've cried as an adult. Also, I think Freddie Highmore's performance in The Good Doctor is really good almost all the time and it even occasionally becomes outstanding. I love how sensitive and measured a portrayal that is.

[@dylanfleurentin647]

As someone who has autism, it makes me happy when I see it handled with dignity and grace. Especially in TV and movies.

[@jbullthekingofentertainment]

yeah i have it too and i agree 100 percent there needs to be more autistic actress because just because we have a disability doesn't mean we cant follow are drams like i want to be an actor and a entertainer and i know i can if i just belive and dont give up and i already have started on my youtube channel

[@caniscos8396]

So glad to see representation of autism in media. Still saddens me that there are only few female characters with autism compared to the amount of male ones. But one step at the time I guess.

[@lucidnavy2349]

@marianne mccrank This is false, recent studies, even at the time of your posting this, have showed that it only represents itself differently in females and is often misdiagnosed or just looked over and females are usually only rarely diagnosed if they are "severely" autistic.

[@ZCarsMuppets]

What people need to remember is that everyone with autism is different, and even though there are some common traits, everyone with autism experiences them differently. And, between gender, people will experience autism differently. Let's say if you're parents, and you have a boy with autism, who has been officially diagnosed, and has similar traits, as, let's say another boy with autism. Then, you have a girl, who also has autism, but they experience it completely differently, this is where parents really struggle, and just assume the girl isn't autistic. Then when the girl is older, she'll start to know more about autism, and then realise she also is affected by it,

[@kerryann2041]

Freddie Highmore is brilliant in The Good Doctor! He's a brilliant actor!!

[@RosheenQuynh]

I'm still trying to get over the fact that he's not a kid like he was in August Rush.

[@Adamguy2003]

I thought that was him! From one lovable, pure- hearted character (Charlie Bucket) to another!

[@daniwilliams]

yes he is :-)

[@kerryann2041]

@@Adamguy2003 yes...I can not believe what a great actor he's matured into. From sinister Norman Bates it Bates Motel...to the amazing Good Doctor. He's awesome!!

[@eeveestrainer4677]

Agreed

[@angelswithmolotovs9857]

I am an autistic girl and let me just tell you I cried for just about the solid duration of Mary and Max. I have never been so understood and touched by a movie. There’s such a delicate balance between humour and and seriousness, hope and sadness. The part where he takes the entire chair onto the train because the sign at the doctor’s said “take a seat” was so funny yet described my literal mindedness so well that I cried. It’s so beautifully done. And I love that they don’t frame it as a “disability” and something that needs to be cured or changed. People try to cure and change me all the time and I hate it. I am an Aspie and it’s who I am and this movie was just like support and empathy where I lacked it in real life. It was brilliant. Should have been higher on the list.

[@brightlotusmoon]

I'm autistic myself, diagnosed in my 30s. It really made my entire life fall into place. I was born with cerebral palsy, ADHD, epilepsy, and other conditions, and I'm relieved I wasn't seen autistic as a child in the 80s and 90s because it wasn't well known. I have been mentored by the woman who coined the phrase Neurodivergent since 2013.

[@lizspirit8847]

Joanna Capello I have CP epilepsy anxiety and bipolar disorder. We have NO videos like this on KZbin. Autism is FAR more recognised than mental illness in British health care.

[@bobbiroberts]

As a single parent of two with autism, I wanted to thank you for the bottom of my heart for showing the positive side of the spectrum.with so much ignorance and fear surrounding autism, it's good to know there's people who are willing to highlight the good souls they are and not the bad. Thank you

[@mysticqueen3551]

As an autistic person, I feel like this isn't an accurate list, especially with "Atypical" being on it. A lot of us autistic people feel that it's not even close to positive representation. And honestly, the fact that 80% of this list is comprised of males doesn't necessarily give me hope for more female representation.

[@rachelcrawford1977]

Bobbi Roberts you have my respect I have one and am married and today after him figuring out how to climb out a window my husband came home to me crying as he went to the store for locks to keep him safe

[@ivyamaru9537]

God bless you & your children ❤️❤️🙏🏽

[@a_little_demon]

as someone with autism, I have to say that people tends to look more about the negative side of the autism spectrum, which is sad. ^^"

[@dcfan7838]

I have autism and I am so happy that you have made this list! It shines a light on a community that is so rarely referred to. 😁😁😁

[@julieta8683]

I feel the same because I have autism as well ♥

[@freyja6360]

You really are? I'm honestly stunned. I think that we deserve more than some tokenistic characters played by nondivergent people who's function is to magically "inspire" other nondivergent people until some chicks at MsMojo will make a list about how the fantasy of us inspires them😕. It's actually quite disgusting and it's also really sad that the visibility is so weak that some random, poorly made list can make people happy.

[@dcfan7838]

I agree with you. I wrote that comment 4 years ago and looking back I had no idea the damage to the community this representation has caused. I stopped watching the show midway through the first season because of how it glorifies and exadurates savants. I haven't met an autistic person ever with the level of knowledge as shown in the good doctor and the big bang theory. Autism is different, not less, not more, and it affects people in vastly different ways. I regret making this original comment as it shows how nieve I was at the time and how wrong I was. I could write essays on this, but I won't bore you. I am truly sorry for making the original comment

[@feesukaminudaka5964]

I have autism myself, so i am so happy this list exists! Still happy Julia took the number 1 spot!

[@DEATHBYFLYINGCDS]

Actually Julia is quite a horrible character, based on the input of autism speaks(an anti autistic organization), and a parent of an autistic.. They got absolutely no input from the autistic community whatsoever.. It basically misrepresents us.

[@DEATHBYFLYINGCDS]

@Quinn Brophy I never said autism is a bad thing, reread.

[@VanNeuterslove30]

Yes, as of when Julia came on Sesame Street she became my favorite Muppet on the show. I have HFA

[@reasyrandom]

@Quinn Brophy ...Did you even READ the comment?

[@victoriabutler8519]

They aren’t inspirational just for living! Im sick of people saying disabled people are inspiring for literally just being a person!! And btw most of the disabled community (myself included) prefers identity first language - i am autistic - rather than person first - i have autism - if you listen to actually autistic people you’d know that

[@joshualinders34]

I am on the Spectrum, have a full time job, and received a college degree. I would like to thank this channel for the video. While some portrayals may seem a bit more stereotypical than others, I find it inspiring that Spectrum representation is found throughout some modern media today. Adults on the Spectrum are hardly understood these days and seeing some living examples on television can bring some small sense of eye-opening. Disabilities affect people differently and while some can turn out nonverbal and fidgety, others can live normal lives, but come off very different in the eyes of society (including myself).

[@joyunicycle]

Way to go Joshua Linders!

[@thegamingdoggo9519]

Good job

[@lolamagenta]

Joshua, what did you get a degree in, if you do not mind my asking? I think that is a wonderful accomplishment.

[@joshualinders34]

@@lolamagenta Psychology (Magna Cum Laude)

[@lolamagenta]

@@joshualinders34 , psychology is a remarkable field to work in.

[@princess.tiarna]

I have Autism and I’m happy they made movies and shows about people with autism

[@R3stlessNWild]

My only gripe: no mention of ARCHER.

[@ButteredBread201]

Yeah, but most of the time, the representation of Autism isn't accurate or is offensive.

[@roguejester4986]

I'm glad I was born autistic, it makes me feel special in my own way. Makes me value what I am capable of. This video almost adds to why I am proud of.

[@Ghostbusters4life]

Same here

[@a_little_demon]

same ! ( I'm glad I finally accepted myself as a person with autism and even beo'g pround of it now, I was so ashamed of it years ago ! )

[@roguejester4986]

@@a_little_demon Although, one of their last videos of the subject made me feel a little offended.

[@cjhs2006]

When I Went to The NOLA SPN CON in 2017 I Asked Misha Collins if he Thought That Cas Was on The Autism Spectrum,&,he Said That he Did

[@mysticqueen3551]

Like actually????

[@cockycookie1]

Unrelated but he's also confirmed gay

[@cjhs2006]

@@cockycookie1 I Know,I Know,Quit Reminding me,I’m Still Grieving Over The Series Finale😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭♾

[@franciscoancer2618]

I always thought that he was just unused to human social interactions because he was an angel.

[@deinodinosuchus]

@@franciscoancer2618 that too, but if he was a human and lived on earth he’d likely be diagnosed with autism

[@kamsismith]

As a person with Asperger’s, I’m glad we finally are being represented in a positive way.

[@kamsismith]

Dan 23 I’m just tired of these annoying ass stereotypes about mental illness in general because it makes people like me feel unworthy and helpless. Is there any character in movies or TV that perpetuate negative stereotypes about this condition?

[@StatRM]

@Kamsi Smith/ Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. I love that show, but I'm pretty sure Sheldon is not a good representation of a character with Asperger's, and judging from what I see a lot of people saying on here, I was right.

[@DanBen07]

@@StatRM Well I have aspergers. I watch Big Bang Theory with my Mum & we noticed he does some things i also do.

[@mysticqueen3551]

I would disagree personally. I'm autistic as well, and I feel like there's actually very little positive mainstream portrayal.

[@superlex611]

@@mysticqueen3551 but never judge

[@ashleightompkins3200]

I've got aspergers and I'll admit that I have quite a few reservations when it comes to characters being on the spectrum because I'm always worried that they're stereotypical or being made into a joke. A list like this makes me feel better about the representation we've been getting.

[@DanBen07]

I have Aspergers also & when someone has it on tv i don't want people to think I'm the same & can do everything thay can.

[@itsrectimemedia]

Blue Ranger from 2017 Power Rangers movie. He was one of the few good things about that movie.

[@laurendyer2838]

I didn’t see the movie are you serious???!!!!! Now I have an excuse to watch that madness...

[@unapologeticbooty]

Lauren Dyer it’s pretty good

[@jesufrito9617]

Lauren Dyer yeah its actually not bad at all

[@Aro_dynamic46]

FREDDIE!! My mum and I will never not be impressed by his performance as Shaun Murphy, we love The Good Doctor

[@riannamajzoub5241]

He actually even reminds me of several males I have encountered in the past. Been around several studs and I gotta say "He made a damn good stud"! I still remember when he was in the film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". (27 and still fly!!)

[@user-di3vl9dp6o]

Shaun deserved a higher spot

[@kieranstark7213]

Let's just be glad that it's Shaun is on this list, eh? Because ALL these characters pay a lot of tribute to autistic people so we can see at least a bit of ourselves in them.

[@user-di3vl9dp6o]

@@kieranstark7213 that's true ☺️

[@boohooter23]

I agree to some extent. I feel like there needs to be more effort put in for separating Autism from Savants (pardon my spelling). A lot of people I know think that because I have Asperger's, I see figures and facts pass before my eyes when that's really not because of Autism.

[@elisakrivas]

@@boohooter23 I'm on the spectrum and I can sort of do this, though. Also, they did give him two diagnoses, so it was separated.

[@PenguinPaladin]

As someone on the spectrum... I'm really not fond of the Good Doctor portrayal. I just feel the 'good boy super genius' is a very generic portrayal of autism. I'm not saying they should have gone the opposite route and make him an anti social asshole, but a more nuanced portrayal where autism isn't one of his defining traits would have been awesome.

[@ajhebb]

Thank you, Ms. Mojo! I have Aspergers Syndrome and I’ve been waiting for a video like this! 🤗

[@ladylexi8001]

A.J.H Artist & Writer same

[@EternalPayne]

@@ladylexi8001 your name lol

[@ajhebb]

Alexis The Aspie Hello fellow Aspies!

[@fluffychan6000]

Watch Boston legal. They have a character named Jerry espenson who is phenomenal

[@DanBen07]

Yeah

[@Purple_Sweater]

What really bothers me about the representation of autism in the media is that they are usually genius men with lack of emotions. This is not true. I'm a girl with autism who cares a lot about other people's feelings. And believe me, I ain't no Genius😂. What I also hate is that the positive things about autism barely get recognized. BUT the fact that this list even exists honestly makes me so happy...

[@felixloveclub5204]

I’m the same. I’m very very empathetic, and even though I can’t tell how someone is feeling, once I know they’re sad I get extremely empathetic. Plus, my grades are absolutely terrible

[@patriktoth3346]

Among the people with asperger 1/3 are super intelligent.Maybe you have habbits but you cant identify yourself. And i dont know how you express feeling to other people.With autism its a hard thing to do

[@Purple_Sweater]

@@patriktoth3346 Well I don't have aspergers so I wouldn't know about that lol. I also don't really have issues with expressing myself to people.

[@patriktoth3346]

@@Purple_Sweater You know that Asperger-Syndrome is the lightest form of autism? I have this disorder (14%) and i have issues to show my emotions or recognize that if somebody are joking or not or he sad or angry. But how you know that you have autism?

[@annahs.channel]

@@patriktoth3346 Aspergers is not a diagnosis anymore. It is now level one autism, due to the fact it undermines internal struggles and purely goes off of how others perceive the person.

[@caseyhay5470]

As a girl with autism this means so much to me that we get positive representation

[@silverstarlightproductions1292]

Shaun Murphy should have been higher up on the list.

[@XxAxelRaynexX]

When I worked at Taco Bell I had a very hard time because my coworkers didn't understand my problems. It was a very toxic and abusive place, I would love people to learn more about the spectrum so that they understand the people and suffering.

[@katherined]

I’m a person with Autism, and it brings a tear to my eye to see a list like this. Thank you so much. ❤️💖

[@riannamajzoub5241]

I get emotional too! I understand cause you just never know what else might still be put out there. Lot of reparations to be had.

[@lindevoskamp4948]

I personally think Shaun deserves a higher spot on the list, but i really like that you guys made this list.

[@cameliongrim183]

I have autism spectrum disorders and i am actually an geek on pop culture

[@saphireroze001]

Me too.

[@ishathompson8439]

Same

[@riannamajzoub5241]

I think there are several analysts on this platform alone. I have made sure to give my endorsements and respects.

[@little_flitter]

Tell me some of your favourite stuff!! I'm on the spectrum too

[@invaderkittykai]

Where is JJ from Skins? His story shows how him and his family cope with it, how his friends accept him and how he gets a job and a girlfriend, I think he's a great character

[@hanakowolf578]

I have autism and am proud to be one. I hope that when I die, my brain can be used to help scientists understand more about autism.

[@aplam94]

Can you do a video on characters in TV/movie who have ADHD.

[@Cali-P]

@marianne mccrank it’s definitely more than that. It sucks and messes up everyday things

[@_-_659]

With my mom as a special education teacher, she personally hates ‘The Good Doctor’

[@russiandrago821]

@@rowanchetner9291 The biggest why The Good Doctor is a somewhat poor representation of Autism is because it portrays Autism as a superpower that makes us super smart and just be kinda quirky

[@erinmalone2669]

Well, savantism is very very rare so I wouldn’t say it is a representation of the majority, but if you’re going to be a skilled surgeon, I would hope you would have exceptional skills.

[@QueenShireen]

I also absolutly adore Julia. She is amazing. Showing the good and the bad sides of autism. Pixar gave us Loop in 2020, that was very well made too.

[@elliethinggoes9952]

1:05 rainman 2:05 mary and max. 3:15 atypical. 4:04 the good doctor. 5:25 the i.t. crowd. 6:53 the bridge. 8:13 parenthood. 9:22 the A word. 10:30 community. 11:43 sesame street

[@reasyrandom]

It's so sad that not even a quarter of them are written with the help of actual autistic people .

[@benkelley148]

Aubrey plaza should be on the list, or not.

[@lizlemon9835]

The 2017 movie "Please stand by" featuring Dakota Fanning is also very good and accurate for a lot of people :)

[@avivaodintz540]

I love this video so much! As someone who also has high functioning autism, it's always great to see characters in movies and tv shows who accurately represent the autistic community across the entire spectrum. I have not seen or heard of most of the listed characters, but I'm thrilled to see Julia from Sesame Street on the list! I really wish she was on the show when I was little!

[@wowjennawow]

same here :)

[@riannamajzoub5241]

Exactly. I used to love the show when I was kid too but could never find any relatable characters so like a lot of little girls I ended up turning to adult themed characters and sadly becoming a woman too soon. Im glad at least no other kid will end up similar.

[@breakingboardrooms1778]

"I'm not your inspiration!"-- Stella Young "How can you be an inspiration for what you are, as opposed to what you've accomplished?"--me

[@mysticqueen3551]

Spill that auTEAsm, honey. Spill it.

[@breakingboardrooms1778]

Only if you spill your mean tea, honey bunches.

[@elliethinggoes9952]

12:48 "big bird" hahhhahahahhahahh i really find it funny too idk why lol

[@guitar_girl8947]

I think Freddie Highmore (Shaun Murphy) should be on Number 1. He acts so good!..

[@alecrogers517]

As someone who’s been diagnosed with Autism. It’s really nice to see videos like this pop up once in a while. Thx ms. mojo.😁

[@grimjowchatham14]

I was diagnosed with Asperger's by age four, and didn't learn about it until age 12-13. I learned not to let it be a defining trait for me, but simply another part of who I am as a whole. And I wouldn't change anything about who I am.

[@DanBen07]

I have it also. I like what you said about yourself.

[@lolamagenta]

Nor should you :)

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

You was lucky my friend most people with the spectrum like my self were diagnosed in their 20s

[@mylovelyreborns2596]

For me it is totally defining because it describes everything about me, who i am , how i think and live in this world. I can let it it define me completely because i have zero shame being Autistic. I'm super proud of it and wouldn't change my brain for the world.

[@dayvioncarter2246]

I have Autism and I'm damn proud of it thank you Ms Mojo for this video.

[@patrickbowers1189]

I am proud to consider myself as an Aspie.

[@gaiakershberg7819]

Me too

[@cockycookie1]

I'm not but good for you

[@patrickbowers1189]

I have made it through much in my life to not be proud of who I am

[@anniepainter1212]

This is a great list, Ms. Mojo. I have a mild form of autism and I struggle a little with social anxiety, so I can relate to the characters in this list

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

Dr Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds

[@Quaronna]

Lmao I'm watching criminal minds rn. Reid just came back from being kidnapped!

[@nsa7637]

No one confirmed that Reid is on the spectrum and I don't think he is. He is simply very intelligent and not all very smart people are on the spectrum

[@burgandy_animations5757]

@@nsa7637 Actually it was confirmed that he has Aspergers, it was confirmed by his Actor, Matthew Gray Gubler, twice actually. So yes, Reid is a confirmed to be on the autistic spectrum

[@rogueguardian]

The good doctor is amazing!

[@MarkSW]

I’m autistic, and I’m damn proud to be autistic. I try and look at it as a gift rather than curse.

[@VoiceNerd]

As someone on the Spectrum I loved Rain Man, don't care about The Good Doctor, and love Community's Abed. Some honorable mentions on my list would be Sherlock, Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty, Dr House from House M.D., and Will Graham from Hannibal.

[@kpaxian6044]

@Final Incept I would argue very strongly against Sherlock being a high functioning sociopath. That is his own diagnosis, but he's shown far more traits that are consistent with Aspergers (even checking in with John when people are being sarcastic and he has shown an abundance of compassion in his own way. He also tends to stick his foot in his mouth and then feels badly for being blunt - which has happened several times with Molly. He definitely doesn't come across as a sociopath, but I think he's frustrated with others and without a solid friendship before John - just took the names others slapped on him and tried to use them to make himself sound more intimidating so others would leave him alone. For example, he's called a freak quite regularly by Sally Donovan and she even told John that Sherlock was a psychopath.)

[@redsonja2291]

House doesn't have Asperger... Why don't you like The Good Doctor? I haven't seen it yet, but I'll have to soon because the actor is so cute, and I loved him in Bates Motel.

[@guitarguru767]

Voice Nerd Rick Sanchez isn't exactly inspirational

[@reasyrandom]

@@kpaxian6044 I would put Sherlock on the list just to spite Benedick Cumableist.

[@Biancalovestosew98]

Shaun: He’s not psychotic, he’s autistic. Me: I’m autistic as well!!

[@angel_godislovegarcia7573]

I have Autism and I am so happy that you all made this incredible video, I love the Good Doctor so much! Remember Jesus Christ loves you all!💙

[@VanNeuterslove30]

Amen to that!! I have HFA btw

[@arrioussammyalwaysforever1559]

I have autism and this made me happy.

[@abrahamambriz892]

L Lawliet from Death Note is one of the most unique anime heroes I've ever seen.

[@CathodeVenus]

Ive been waiting for this!! I love this video so much, especially because you mention the good doctor and Netflix’s a typical which you should all check out if you want a heart warming yet wonderful series based on real struggles people in the spectrum ( autistic highlighted community ) autism is finally being normalised because Autism is much more common than many people think. There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK - that's more than 1 in 1001. If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people.

[@threepoint14159265]

I would bet a substantial amount of money the real number is far, far higher.

[@CathodeVenus]

FDRpi I definitely agree with that but that’s the only recent source I’ve come across lately but I bet the odds are more like 1 in 50 no matter on what scale on the spectrum people are I think ALOT of people are affected but because there’s a stereotype on what being autistic actually is diagnosis’s are often based of known symptoms and struggles but I guess it’s all about how high functioning certain individuals are 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@nooneknows3520]

Shaun Murphy from the Good Doctor was an amazing character. I have Autism, and these characters are all amazing views of Autism

[@drwhoswifeforever]

I was diagnosed with Aspergers 16 years ago. And I love that Autism/Aspergers is featured + discussed about a lot more in the world of Film & Television. Thank you for putting together this video.

[@Kim.Garian]

Even if I'm a real life person, I hope to be somewhat of an inspiration for people who have autism. I've been diagnosed since I was three, but I've learned to overcome it as I grew up. Yes, socializing with others is still hard (especially since I'm in community college), but I know that there are people out there that I'd love to connect to. And maybe one day, meet some fellow nerds who love TMNT or Steven Universe and also love the BTS (behind the scenes, not the music group) action in movies and TV shows.

[@MoviesNGames007uk]

I was diagnosed at 23. When I was younger not many knew what autism was. I am glad they are now showing it more in TV and movies.

[@mysticqueen3551]

I was diagnosed around the same time. I don't really see it as something to overcome, but rather something to work with. If you cultivate something in a certain way, it can become something of a strength.

[@jbullthekingofentertainment]

yeah i have it too and im actully glad i do because it means i special so yeah dont be ashamed of it its a gift

[@limagaymothertrucker]

I've been waiting for this... My daughter was diagnosed with autism and this is so close to home... Thank you so much for this ❤️❤️❤️

[@bambiquinton3862]

I'm have Asperger's Syndrome and my brother has autism. We have fights sometimes but I know that I can't imagine my life without him.

[@paulridikas5746]

I have autism and I am glad that people on the autism spectrum are recognized on media. I definitely approve this list.

[@KAvanAlten]

I had the same idea, despite a person seeing it hear as 'inspiration porn'. While it is true that Autism has a lot of misrepresentations in the past, i do feel like the more corrunt day atempts try to become much more genuine.

[@paulridikas5746]

More genuine? That's very interesting.

[@paulridikas5746]

I am glad that autism is more genuine and aware. We need to spread the awareness of autism.

[@cassandraflannigan7489]

I love the good doctor so amazing 💖😊 Shaun Murphy is everything I love about the good doctor he goes against the odds working very hard with others to understand others and others understand him

[@sadiesmith1509]

Yeah and I honestly think he deserves to be higher up on the list

[@PAmanof77]

The Good doctor is such an amazing series 😭

[@lahstories8165]

I have a few friends with autism and it annoyes me so much when people call them insensitive rude or stupid. They are some of the funniest and intelligent people I've ever met. People don't take the time to listen and understand their conditions and I'm so glad these characters exist not just to break the stereotyps about autism but to also give people with autism someone they can relate to in media

[@danninmatthews5640]

I'm autistic, I don't mind the representation, yet I'm alright with any character who's interesting and relatable

[@GoldenRing2023]

I'm on the Autism Spectrum and when Juila made it on the list, I got excited about it because she's my favorite character on Sesame Street

[@fndhhhjgdhjjfj9799]

where's forrest gump ?

[@aylazelanagrebiel3210]

He’s an autistic savant, just low functioning and I was asking myself the same question. It felt more so geared towards High Functioning or Aspergers than all on the spectrum. (I’m high functioning autistic)

[@reallyscj9685]

DEATHBYFLYINGCDS thank you! You are the first person I have seen on here state that Rain Man is not autistic. It bothers me every time I state that my son is autistic and people refer to Rain Man.

[@hannahboldewijn]

I have autism and I always feel uncomfortable with it. Because there are not a lot of girls with autism, but I love the good doctor💕

[@elisakrivas]

I'm on the spectrum! I'm a girl! I learned to embrace it!

[@riannamajzoub5241]

I understand, but are ya'll willing to see some gory chick fights and women abusing their spouses cause that is a whole sad truth that does exist as well. You don't want them to over sugar coat either. Ya gotta have the good, the bad and the absolute ratchet! Unfortunately

[@emmalove5080]

I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder back in March after suffering from it my entire life without even knowing, and I was not expecting that at all. But the more I read about it, it definitely explains why I have had issues with mental health. It has opened a lot of new doors for me, and the awesome thing is that I'm getting government funding to help in the future with independent living.

[@meline4524]

"representation done right!" with the good doctor on the thumbnail is wild

[@JamesHealeyTX]

"Why are you giving me the secret symbol to shut up?" Lol. I need to watch The IT Crowd.

[@X_nien_vh]

Saga norén- The bridge I love to read all the comments, that people are happy Msmojo made this video for autism representation💗

[@serena-leoharper771]

As a girl who was born with autism I truthfully say Autism is not a weakness or a disability it is a strength and shows that you’re unique and special don’t be afraid of what makes you a special person wear it like crown to show how special you can be

[@BingeReader19]

As a mom to a son with Autism and an instructional aide for mild to moderate kiddos it’s important that our kids grow up seeing characters that represent them. Having movies and tv shows showcasing this group of people not only helps spread awareness, but decreases the fear of the unknown. My son is considered “high functioning” because he is verbal and has the ability to read and write. That doesn’t mean however he can cross the street alone, drive a car or tie his shoes. He may one day, but not yet. If we are going to represent autism we need to represent all of it. Not only the savants, the ones that can hold jobs and have special skills, but Kiddos and adults on the spectrum that struggle too.

[@mysticqueen3551]

Hey, autistic person here. I just wanted to let you know that a lot of us in the community hate functioning labels because they tend to segregate autistics and create a sort of hierarchy; those deemed "low-functioning" are segregated from society and institutionalized. Those deemed "high-functioning" aren't even believed to be autistic and we don't get the services we need. Autism is autism, no matter what way you put it.

[@libbyallen2566]

I’m autistic and I must say none of these are good representation. They are all stereotypical.

[@jenniferyouknowit7383]

Thank you I have ASD and there need to be more awareness about it

[@callousHeart]

My favorite line in this was definitely "It's not gonna go away if we call it something else". This is a problem my parents have when it comes to my ASD, OCD, and even my physical illnesses. They always argue with me about second, third opinions, how it's probably something else, or that I shouldn't refer to myself as autistic, and this affects me alot. It's obvious they don't want me to be diagnosed with these lifelong conditions, but they way they go about their denial is damaging. I really like this line because this what I would like to tell them, calling any condition something else isn't going to make it go away, and in a lot of cases, will make it worse

[@matthewmorgan3913]

I fully respect these characters for respectfully representing autism, cuz im autistic too

[@juliomendez1997]

Abed is my favorite charecter i always did relate to him the most

[@jamalvargas4783]

Billy from 2017 power rangers reboot this is the reason I remained a devoted fan for over 20 years

[@threepoint14159265]

And the movie made it explicit and was done very well iirc.

[@lolinu824]

Thank you so much for putting Abed on the List! I just watched Community for the first time and as an Aspie myself I found him to be a very good representation of how people with Aspergers can also be, instead of always being represented as emotionless robots who don't know what they're doing! PS: (On an unrelated note) I'm currently re-watching it and making a list of all TV-related references they make lol

[@heartylegend2002]

I like Sam Gardner, Shaun Murphy and Brick from The Middle. They're so cute when they talk.. they always make me laugh and smile whenever I'm feeling sad or whenever I need to watch something funny to keep me entertained.

[@Ruby-Doc]

*_[As someone with Autism this makes me so happy]_*

[@Anonymous-yy8rv]

Rizwan from My Name Is Khan deserved to be on this list!

[@venijohannes5207]

I was going to say the same !

[@59771006]

I have a mild form of autism called Asperger’s syndrome and one of my favourite TV shows is The Good Doctor it’s great to see a TV show in which the main character is autistic I would so like to meet Freddie Highmore so I could give him a hug and thank him

[@Ouka101]

It's nice to see so many shows portraying autism in a more realistic way. I was diagnosed with autism in high school and it really stunned my parents and answered a lot of questions for them: why I didn't like loud noises, why I got anxious around new people, why I sometimes couldn't vocalize what I was feeling and even why I didn't like to be touched. I think if these shows had been around when I was younger, I would have been diagnosed sooner but that isn't how life works in the end. Although it can be rough at times, I love my life the way it is, Autism and all

[@JoaoPedro-jk7kf]

I'm a 17 years-old boy with Asperger's. Sam Gardner came in the right time to help me and my family to find a diagnosis for me. He's the proof that, even though we may come across as weirdos who don't like touching and seem a little selfish, we're still humans. Thank you for making this video. Really. You guys made my day

[@ohohnenyeoo2654]

João Pedro 💘

[@reasyrandom]

That is the saddest thing I've ever heard. Out of all the characters, it had to be HIM?

[@machine-shopbilly6584]

As an autistic person myself, it's so hard to find good representation in the media. It feels like I can never relate to anyone in my favorite movies and television shows. That's why when adult swim came out with the show "Million Dollar Extreme: world peace" it was so heart warming to see the iconic character "Sam Hyde" introduced to the world

[@mindmaster58]

I also made a shortfilm about autism

[@kristinar1623]

My younger brother has aspergers and watching Atypical helped me understand better what his life is like daily and what he deals with. It's a wonderful show.

[@mysticqueen3551]

I'm autistic and a lot of us in the autistic community hate the show because it's so stereotypical.

[@FireWolf583]

Having autism myself, it's awesome seeing characters added to movies and shows that aren't being belittled. I spent years being judged and called stupid so I like seeing them be inspiring.

[@XJIcequeen]

11:45 I KNEW JULIA WOULD BE ON THE LIST!!

[@stylecutmusicfilmproductio5076]

I myself got autism thank you MsMojo for making this video list.😃

[@victoriasalter1701]

Yep, I’m British and Autistic, and it really bothers me when so many Americans and American organisations view Autism as a disease or an illness to be cured. It is NOT! There is nothing wrong with having Autism. It is not a negative thing. It is a big part of who we are. It is not wrong to be different. It is great to be different! Who would want to be a normal human being anyway, if being normal means you lose what makes you you and stops you from doing what you love and what makes you unique and means that you have to grow up and conform to society and lose your childlike innocence? Autism is NOT an illness. It is NOT a disease. It is not something “the matter” with someone or something “wrong” with someone, it just makes you different from everyone else. If you are a parent who wants your kid’s Autism cured just for selfish reasons, when your kid isn’t even hurting you or anything, just because you find it difficult to cope with them, then congratulations, you are a horrible person and you are a horrible parent. You need to love and accept your child for who and what they are, just the way they are. You need to love all of them! Your Autistic child is not a problem for you to have to deal with, they are a human being with feelings, they are your child, and you need to love them unconditionally, no matter what. If you’re the sort of person who would hand their child up for adoption just because they’re Autistic rather than loving, supporting and caring for them no matter what, then that’s probably actually for the best for them anyway, because you would make a horrible parent to them and they would be much better off being raised by people who will actually accept and support them and help them, autism and all. Some of America’s issues with Autism and the way it’s perceived can be summed up in three words. Fuck. Autism. Speaks. Seriously, horrible, awful organisation that should be classed as hate group and banned everywhere forever!!!

[@ButteredBread201]

I wish Autism Speaks was banned in Britain. My school legit supports it🤦‍♂️

[@Showtunediva]

Emily I just came across this video and I wanted to thank you so much. I have an autism spectrum disorder and it is very important to see such a good representation of my disability in film & TV. Actually Autism is not a disability more like a different wiring of the brain. Kudos to you and your team at MsMojo! ❤️❤️❤️🥰

[@jshsjdj2244]

Shaun Murphy is the best out of the entire list

[@phyrestorm999]

Temperance. Freaking. Brennan. How could you forget her?

[@VLoveTarot]

I found a few good shows to watch thanks to this top 10. A friend of mine suggested this video, glad he did.

[@eucalyptus-1988]

As someone who is on the spectrum, I know how hard it can be. I hope that the characters that are on these shows continue to show people that, while we might act differently, we are still people.