April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse experiences, identities, and voices within the autistic community.
For many Asian individuals, autism has often been shrouded in cultural stigma, underrepresentation, and silence. But that narrative is changing.
This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re highlighting Pan-Asian autistic stories and experiences in media.
Whether you’re exploring neurodivergence for the first time, identifying yourself within these stories, or standing in allyship, this curated watchlist highlights films, shows, and videos that amplify Pan-Asian autistic narratives across cultures, languages, and life stages.
From the Philippines to Korea, Japan to the U.S., these works provide a powerful lens into autistic life through an Asian cultural framework.
The Reason I Jump (2020)
Inspired by the memoir of Japanese autistic author Naoki Higashida, this documentary shares the stories of non-speaking autistic people around the world, including a Japanese American teen. It offers profound insight into sensory processing and the inner world of autistic individuals.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)
One of the most globally-acclaimed series featuring an autistic protagonist, this Netflix Korean legal drama follows Woo Young-woo, a brilliant attorney who is also autistic navigating life, work, and love. Played by Park Eun-bin, the titular character offers an empowering yet nuanced portrayal that beautifully captures the complexities of neurodivergence, from sensory challenges to social dynamics, through a Korean cultural lens, which has sparked conversations across Asia and beyond. The English voice is dubbed by Sue Ann Pien.
The Ghost and Molly McGee (2021)
This animated Disney Channel (Disney+) series features Libby Stein-Torres, voiced by Lilan Bowden, who is later revealed to be autistic. In a special guest role, Sue Ann Pien (known for her work in As We See It) voices autistic character June Chen, adding further depth and visibility to authentic representation. Behind the scenes, autistic writer and advocate Ava X. Rigelhaupt helped shape the narrative, bringing a neurodiversity-affirming lens to the storyline.
With its joyful storytelling and inclusive characters, The Ghost and Molly McGee is a standout example of how children’s media can celebrate both neurodivergence and Asian American identity with heart, humor, and care.
Lee’d the Way (2021)
This heartwarming film starring Simon Twu and Carolina Hoyos tells the story of a blind and autistic Asian American accountant who is navigating independence and social connection. A beautiful portrayal of intersectional disability. Watch on YouTube or Prime Video.
As We See It (2022)
A refreshingly authentic series following three autistic young adults. Sue Ann Pien, who plays Violet, brings representation as an openly queer autistic Asian American actress navigating romance, friendship, and autonomy. Watch on Prime Video.
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
While not explicitly about autism, this Netflix Korean drama starring Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, and Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae features a sibling dynamic between a caregiver younger brother and his autistic older brother. It brings attention to mental health, trauma, and the unspoken emotional labor in Korean families.
Unmasking Autism Me As Me by MuchMuchSpectrum (2023)
This Mumbai, India-based video series on YouTube explores autistic experiences around puberty, dating, and identity. Honest, affirming, and youth-focused, it centers queer neurodivergent Indian voices including Co-Founder of MuchMuchSpectrum, Aditi Gangrade.
RHB Chinese New Year Video: “ACCEPTANCE” (2024)
Set in Malaysia, this beautifully shot short video ad features Beatrice Leong’s late autism diagnosis journey and sheds light on how culture, stigma, and acceptance intersect in Malaysian-Chinese communities. A viral and emotional must-watch.
Love Child (2024)
Set in the Philippines, this deeply moving film starring RK Bagatsing, Jane Oineza, and John Tyrron Ramos follows a young Filipino family as they navigate their son’s autism diagnosis and journey. It sensitively explores caregiving, marriage, parenting, cultural stigma, and the power of love and resilience within Filipino communities. You can watch this movie on Netflix.
Interview with Dr. Jenny Mai Phan, an Autistic Autism Researcher (2025)
Vietnamese American autistic researcher Dr. Jenny Mai Phan shares her experiences as a late-identified autistic Vietnamese person navigating academia, identity, parenting, self-advocacy, and inclusion. Her story is featured on All Neurotypes Office’s YouTube channel.
Autistic in Japan: Taiki Kobayashi’s Story (2025)
In this personal vlog, Taiki Kobayashi opens up about life as an autistic and ADHD person in Japan. His reflections provide powerful insight into growing up neurodivergent in a collectivist, academically-driven society.
Why the stories and experiences of autistic Pan-Asian matters
These films and video stories aren’t just about awareness; they’re about acceptance, advocacy, and celebration. Each piece challenges outdated stereotypes and reveals the diversity within the Asian autistic experience, from early and late-diagnosis journeys to joyful moments of self-discovery.
As representation continues to evolve, so too does our collective understanding. Let’s continue to uplift these stories, support autistic creators, and advocate for more inclusive storytelling across the Asian diaspora beyond Autism Acceptance Month.
See also: Celebrating neurodiversity in Asian American communities.
Help us uplift Asian diaspora voices
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