Ep 9. I Have Autism

In True Life season 9 episode 9, titled "I Have Autism," we follow the journeys of three individuals who are living with autism. The first subject is a young woman named Samantha, who is in her early 20s and attends college while living with her mother. Samantha struggles with social interactions and has a difficult time making friends. She also struggles with sensory overload and finds it overwhelming to attend social gatherings like parties or concerts.

The second subject is a young man named Adam, who is in his mid-20s and is living on his own for the first time. Adam's autism presents differently than Samantha's, and he struggles with executive functioning skills like planning and organizing. He works part-time as a janitor but dreams of becoming a filmmaker.

The third subject is a teenager named James, who is in high school and finds that his autism makes it hard for him to connect with his peers. He also has a special interest in trains, which can sometimes isolate him further from his peers who don't share his passions.

Throughout the episode, we see each individual navigate the ups and downs of living with autism. They also each have different coping mechanisms and strategies that they use to manage the challenges they face. For example, Samantha has a service dog named Bullet, who helps her feel calm and safe in overwhelming social situations. Adam has a whiteboard in his apartment where he writes down his daily tasks and reminders to help him stay organized. James describes how his passion for trains gives him a sense of purpose and helps him feel confident during social situations.

We also see the impact that autism has on their families. Samantha's mother describes the challenges of raising a child with autism and the importance of finding the right support systems. Adam's father expresses concern about his son's ability to live independently and worries about his future. James's parents describe the challenges of advocating for their child's needs within the school system and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

Overall, "I Have Autism" offers an intimate and nuanced look at the experiences of individuals who are living with a complex condition that affects them in unique ways. It also offers a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and acceptance when interacting with people who have disabilities.