Autistic characters
I have high-functioning autism, so I'm always looking for realistic portrayals of autism in dramas and movies. Unfortunately, screenwriters often write about autistic people who are robot-like geniuses.
Some are just speculations, feel free to disagree with me in the comments.
Terms
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism (source).
- Asperger's syndrome (sometimes called high-functioning autism) is part of a wide diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since 2013, Asperger’s syndrome has been replaced by the broader diagnosis of ASD within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) revised criteria (source).
- Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which persons with various developmental disorders, including autistic disorder, have an amazing ability and talent (source).
FL: female lead
ML: male lead
SML: second male lead
SFL: second female lead
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1. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
FL – ASD (savant syndrome)
Genres: Law, Romance, Life, Drama (romance is not a prevailing genre)
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, 27-year-old Woo Young Woo graduated at the top of her class from the prestigious Seoul National University for both college and law school due to her high IQ of 164, impressive memory, and creative thought process. Working as a lawyer, she finds herself struggling when it comes to social interactions.
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2. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
ML – ASD (he's extremely smart and has a photographic memory)
Han Geu Roo is an autistic 20-year-old. When Geu Roo's father dies, Geu Roo's guardianship passes to his uncle, ex-convict Cho Sang Gu, who is a martial arts fighter in underground matches. Per the father's will, Sang Gu must care for and work with Geu Roo in “Move To Heaven” for three months to gain full guardianship and claim the inheritance. Eying money, Sang Gu agrees to the conditions and moves in.
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3. Innocent Witness
Korean Movie - 2019
FL – ASD (Asperger)
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Law, Drama
An old man suffering from depression is found dead, and his housekeeper, Mi Ran, is charged with murder. Mi Ran's defense attorney, Soon Ho, is surprised to learn the only witness to the crime is Ji Woo, a teenage girl with Asperger’s. Will Ji Woo be able to take the stand and provide a valid statement?
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4. Project S: Side by Side
Thai Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
ML – ASD
Genres: Youth, Sports, Melodrama
Gym, an autistic teenager who was often bullied by his peers, decides to join the badminton team with his cousin Dong. However, Gym plays better than Dong, as Gym is able to control the dynamics of the game, leading to Dong's displeasure. With the help of Dong and Gym's widowed moms, are the two able to conquer all their fears and weaknesses to succeed in the badminton court? And what does the future hold for Gym and Dong's relationship?
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5. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
ML's brother – ASD (he depends on the ML, but is very intelligent; he has a lot of screentime)
Genres: Psychological, Comedy, Romance, Drama
Moon Gang Tae is a community health worker at a psychiatric ward who was blessed with everything including a great body, smarts, ability to sympathize with others, patience, ability to react quickly, stamina, and more. Meanwhile, Ko Moon Young is a popular writer of children’s literature who, due to suffering from an antisocial personality disorder, seems extremely selfish, arrogant, and rude. Moon Gang Tae denies love and Ko Moon Young doesn’t know it. The two defy fate and fall in love, finding their souls and identities in the process.
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6. Good Doctor
Korean Drama - 2013, 20 episodes
ML – ASD (savant syndrome)
Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Medical
Although Park Shi On is an autistic savant who lacked mental maturity and empathy, he graduated from medical school with distinction. His medical skills are exceptional, but he struggles to deal with his superiors and his patients due to his lack of interpersonal skills. As he struggles to adapt, some of his fellow doctors befriend him, supporting him during the most trying times. His dedication and exceptional skills should make him a great pediatrician, but can he overcome the systemic bias and discrimination or will he quit out of frustration?
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7. Good Doctor
Japanese Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
ML – ASD (savant syndrome)
Shindo Minato has savant syndrome. His memory is amazing, but he has difficulty communicating with other people. When Shindo Minato was little, he dreamed of becoming a doctor. He met Doctor Shiga Akira and he wanted to become a paediatric surgeon. Akira was surprised by the 7-year-old's memory of the human organs and he decided to support Minato in achieving his dream. Eventually, Minato graduated from medical school and passed the national exam for medical practitioners. Now, Akira works as a director at a large hospital. He suggests Minato to work in the pediatric surgery department at the hospital where he works.
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8. ATARU
Japanese Drama - 2012, 11 episodes
ML – ASD (savant syndrome)
Genres: Mystery, Psychological
Ataru is a man with autism, who is also a savant, possessing special abilities in specific areas. This mystery drama will tell the story of Ataru, who solves cases using his extraordinary memory and deductive skills.
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9. Decoded
Chinese Drama - 2016, 44 episodes
ML – ASD (savant syndrome)
Genres: Military, Thriller, Historical, Crime
Autistic math genius Rong Jin Zhen is forced to give up his academic pursuits when he is recruited into Unit 701, working alongside the beautiful cryptographer Di Li. As Jin Zhen embarks on his new dangerous mission to crack the “Purple Secret” code, he is only able escape from several dangerous situations with the help of Shen Yu Er a young woman who lives in a fishing village. Can Jin Zhen and his fellow cryptographers survive their new espionage training and crack the code?
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10. The 80/20 Rule of Love
Chinese Drama - 2022, 40 episodes
ML - ASD (Asperger) ?
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11. A Man and A Woman
Korean Movie - 2016
FL's son – ASD
Sang Min comes to Finland to send her autistic son to a special camp. She feels so alienated in snow covered-white Helsinki. Ki Hong is an architect working in Finland on dispatched duty. His family is not so perfect either with a daughter having depression and a mentally unstable wife. The two meet for the first time at the gathering point of this special camp. They get to have a short trip to the camp together in silence but start to feel comfortable and connected to each other. On their way back to Helsinki, with the road blocked by heavy snow, Sang Min and Ki Hong are isolated in a cabin by the forest and lake. Carried away by irresistible passion, they spend a night together. But the next day, they go separate ways without asking each other’s names…
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12. Keys to the Heart
Korean Movie - 2018
ML's little brother – ASD (savant syndrome)
A washed-up boxer, Jo Ha, has lived his life relying on nothing but his physical strength. His champion glory lasted only a moment, and now pride is all Jo Ha has. He runs into his mom who left him when he was little and comes to live with her and Jin Tae, the younger brother who always seems awkward except for when he plays the piano. The autistic savant, Jin Tae, shows brilliance in playing the piano and video games and cooking ramen. He is at first scared of his older brother, who insists on swinging his fists at people for what he wants. Reunited with each other, the two brothers learn what it is to be a family.
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13. Ocean Heaven
Chinese Movie - 2010
ML's son – ASD
Genres: Drama
The story of a father's tireless love for his autistic son. A terminally ill father's attempt to teach his autistic son the necessary life skills to survive on his own before he passes away. It is also a poignant tribute to the infinite love that parents have for their children and their unending desire to take care and look after them to their best abilities, no matter the struggle, no matter the effort.
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14. Marathon
Korean Movie - 2005
FL's son – ASD
Kyung Sook finds out that her son Cho Won is autistic and feels devastated. But she firmly believes that there is something Cho Won can do very well. Kyung Sook and a former champion marathoner Jeong Wook see Cho Won's potential as a marathoner, and Cho Won's assiduous training continues.
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15. Split
Korean Movie - 2016
ML – ASD (bowling genius)
Chul Jong was a promising professional bowler, known as a legend in the field, but he had an unfortunate accident. Since then, he has disconnected himself from the world. He then happens to meet Young Hoon, who has unlimited potential as a bowler but also has autism. Chul Jong brings Young Hoon as his partner. Hee Jin, Chul Jong's helper and a broker for gambling games, sets up a high-stakes bowling game.
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16. Boys Over Flowers
Korean Drama - 2009, 25 episodes
SML – ASD?
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17. The Story of Hua Zhi
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
ML's sister - ASD (might be due to her PTSD, but she also displays autistic traits)
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18. Cleaning Elves
Chinese Drama - 2021, 24 episodes
SML - ASD (high-functioning) ?
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19. Catch the Ghost
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Family member - ASD
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20. Hatsukoi, Zarari
Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
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21. Lion no Kakurega
Japanese Drama - 2024, 11 episodes