More than often, the film and TV industry lacks representation of the autism community and fails to properly portray individuals with autism. Giving individuals with autism opportunities and platforms makes way for inclusivity. It allows people to showcase their skills and educate the general public on the misconceptions of autism.

In honor of World Autism Month, we made a list that celebrates actors who play characters with autism. They aim to make a difference in autism representation within the film and TV industry.

1. Madison Bandy as Renne in Loop

Disney’s short film Loop focuses on Renee. The movie is about “a non-verbal , autistic girl and a chatty boy [who] are partnered on a canoeing trip. To complete their journey across an urban lake, they must both learn how the other experiences the world.” (Pixar). Madison Bandy plays Renee and like her, she has autism and is primarily nonverbal. Erica Milsom, the director of the film, made sure to make Madison Bandy as comfortable as possible when recording her so they recorded her in the comfort of her home and family (The Walt Disney Company). Bandy’s character educates us on the challenges non-verbal individuals face while promoting empathy and patience.

2. Kevin Valdez as Louie in Little Voice

Little Voice is show on Apple TV Plus. The show is about Bess, a girl who is trying to navigate her life as a musician in New York. It also focuses on her brother, Louie who is trying to manage his adult life while having autism. He lives in a group home with others who are have autism. Like Louie, Valdez has autism. Valdez was diagnosed with autism at 22 months and has always aspired to be an actor (Play Bill). By being on this show Valdez gets the opportunity to live his dream all the while making a path for others with autism who want to follow in his footsteps.

3. Israel Thomas-Bruce as Max in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is an Emmy-Award winning children’s television show that was inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The show follows Daniel Tiger, a young preschooler who teaches his viewers how to be curious, creative, and kind. (PBS) The show features a special guest named Max. He is sensitive to noise and is shown to be different (The Columbian). Israel, who plays Max was diagnosed with autism at 4 years old.

Autism is rarely discussed in education settings. By educating children about autism, we can reduce and prevent harmful stereotypes about the autism community. Featuring a child with autism on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood allows for children to see representation on screen and learn about autism.

Click here to learn about Daniel Tiger’s new friend Max

4. Mickey Rowe as Christopher Boon in “The Curios Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.”

The Curios Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a Tony Award winning play. Mikey Rowe played the main character Christopher Boone, a teen with autism who is working on solving a mystery. Rowe’s outstanding skills proved that individuals with autism deserve opportunities and are capable of accomplishing big things. Rowe is the first adult with autism to play a role of a character with autism (Howl Round), making him an inspiration to many other individuals with autism .

5. Kayla Cromer as Matilda on Everything’s Gonna Be Okay

Everything’s Gonna Be Okay is a Freeform show that focuses on siblings coping with their father’s death. Cromer plays Matilda, one of the leading roles (ABC NEWS). Matilda is a musician and is experiencing difficulty with her autism. Cromer’s firsthand experience with autism allows her to identify with her character and play it well. Cromer is also committed to advocating for the autism community by speaking up about the misconceptions of autism.

Actors with Autism Who Play Characters with Autism

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