Movies Similar to Richard and Jaco: Life with Autism

I Am Greta(2020)

Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old student in Sweden, started a school strike for the climate as her question for adults was, if you don’t care about my future on earth, why should I care about my future in school? Within months, her strike evolved into a global movement as the quiet teenage girl on the autism spectrum becomes a world-famous activist.

Dad's in Heaven With Nixon(2010)

Dad's in Heaven with Nixon is a 2010 documentary film produced, directed and written by Tom Murray. It concerns the history of the Murray family and especially of Tom's brother Chris Murray, a man with autism whose paintings of cityscapes, first promoted by family friend Gloria Vanderbilt, have garnered widespread praise. The title refers to Chris' belief that his late father, who loathed Richard Nixon, is now friends in heaven with the former president. Ranging over three generations of Murrays, whose patriarchs struggled with alcoholism and bipolar disorder, the film treats of subjects ranging from father-son relationships to the Great Depression, from the effects of divorce on families to the cushy lifestyle of the residents of Southhampton, New York.

Comedy Against the Odds(2024)

10-year-old Austin Eletto has autism. He’s also an aspiring stand-up comic. This short documentary spotlights the struggle of growing up with labels, and how Austin uses comedy to embrace and overcome them. Through the intimate story of Austin as he faces adversity and hardships, our audience will be thoroughly connected to his childhood experience, making the inevitable laughs bigger and more inspired.

Inner Healing: Journey with Native Trees of Knowledge(2014)

This documentary is the story of Adrian Esposito's journey to find healing for his anger and autism by traveling across America and Canada and interviewing Native American healers and elders for their advice.

Adventures of T-Man(2020)

A jobs program for people on the autism spectrum gives Terrence (aka T-Man) the footing to live independently for the first time.

Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World(2024)

A teen with autism unlocks a joyous world of self-expression as she shares her voice for the first time using a letter board.

Curt(2015)

The story of Curt Harper, a 50-year-old competitive surfer with autism, who has become a well known figure in Southern California's surf scene.

Life, Animated(2016)

At three years old, a chatty, energetic little boy named Owen Suskind ceased to speak, disappearing into autism with apparently no way out. Almost four years passed and the only stimuli that engaged Owen were Disney films. Then one day, his father donned a puppet—Iago, the wisecracking parrot from Aladdin—and asked “what’s it like to be you?” And poof! Owen replied, with dialogue from the movie. Life, Animated tells the remarkable story of how Owen found in Disney animation a pathway to language and a framework for making sense of the world.

This Is Nicholas: Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder(2019)

A mother determines to see her son faced with autism and depression overcome challenges, along with support from family, the community and teachers.

Against the Tides(2018)

The story of an extraordinary woman, marathon swimmer Beth French, attempting the world’s most extreme swimming challenge. Driven to be a role model for her autistic son, and by her battle with lifelong illness (ME), Beth confronts jellyfish, sharks, wild weather and reluctant skippers. But as her journey unfolds, dangers of the sea prove easier to conquer than upheavals of the heart.

Children of Darkness(1983)

A significant number of American children and teenagers - from all social backgrounds - suffer from mental disorders, schizophrenia, autism and emotional problems, leading them to isolation from society while treating their issues in mental health facilities. But there's no end in sight for those young individuals when they face obstacles and mistreatment in inadequate places under the supervision of careless and inexperienced professionals. The documentary follows some of those public mental institutions and another private center dealing with troubled kids and reveals what's wrong with their procedures, and the irreparable harm they cause in those patients.

Making Mind My Mind(2019)

Shortlisted for the 92th Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, Mind My Mind has come a very long way. The first idea originates from 2009, and production started back in 2013. This making-of includes an in-depth interview with writer/director Floor Adams about the ideas behind the film, early artwork, shot progressions, behind-the-scenes footage of voice actors and foley recordings, and a selection of Floor's personal videos of key moments that happened during the production. (CinéTé Filmproduktie)

Blush: An Extraordinary Voyage(2022)

For 18-year-old Finnish–Kosovan Fatu, a simple visit to the grocery store feels as nerve-racking as a lunar expedition: for the first time in his life, he’s wearing makeup in public. Luckily his best friend Rai, a young woman on the spectrum of autism, is there to ferociously support him through the voyage.

A Is for Autism(1992)

An animated documentary short made by people with autism.

The Autism Puzzle(2003)

Documentary about autism.

Wizard Mode(2016)

Mastering classic pinball arcade games requires focus, agility and dedication. Robert Gagno has all these traits. It might explain why he surged from a complete unknown to one of the world's best players in five years. The achievement is even more impressive considering he was diagnosed with autism at age three. His success on the pinball circuit made him part of a community that provided acceptance and encouragement. With his parents' support and determination, Robert has exceeded every expectation placed upon him. As he approaches adulthood, his next challenge is to become more self-sufficient and gain his independence. From high-stakes tournaments across the continent to his day-to-day search for employment, we follow Robert's persistent progression to overcome obstacles and manage the highs of success and lows of falling short. In Wizard Mode, flashing lights and triple combos highlight an outstanding individual who continues to beat the odds and set records.

Delayed Flight(2024)

Nemanja Jović, an autistic boy works in a cafe which employs people with development disabilities. We see his everyday life, at home at Pančevo, and as well as his workplace in Belgrade. It opens up a dialogue about a theme which is rarely explored in Serbian society.

Comme une feuille au vent, Jasmin(2021)

The Tragedy of an Artist(2023)

The Tragedy of an Artist, is an experimental short shot over the course of a week. This film is meant to illustrate who Hero Foltz is as a person and his struggles with self identity

The Autistic Me(2009)

This documentary follows three people with autism at pivotal moments on the rocky road to being accepted as an adult. They are all fighting for independence and responsibility, but being frustrated by the shackles imposed on them by their disability, their families and the preconceived ideas of mainstream society.