There are quite a few examples of media that focus on the difficulties of reaching adolescence, a challenging period for those with autism trying to gain a balance between independence and the right care.
One series that explores this quite well is ‘Atypical’, focusing on 18-year-old Sam, on the autism spectrum, and his journey to find a girlfriend. Whilst this series deals well with themes of becoming an adult with the condition, it can be criticised as it tends to solely focus more on the mother’s fear of letting go rather than Sam’s desires. It also never shows higher spectrum issues such as special education in schools [1].
To see this journey from a much more personal view, ‘The reason I Jump’ is a book written by an autistic teen who cannot talk. The author takes the reader into a place where they can imagine the struggles, such as the difficulty of being speechless, not able to say you are hungry, tired or in pain and even have a chat. He also describes how it affects his other senses like overwhelming noise and vision [2]. Whilst this book is excellent at giving insight, often being a comfort for family members seeking to understand their child, it also doesn’t paint the full picture of the worst of autism, as the author has found an effective way of communicating through writing. This could further perpetuate the stereotype that autistic children are in some way ‘gifted’.
Finally, we have the film ‘Please Stand By Me’, which follows Wendy as she tries to establish independence whilst living in a residential home [3]. This film deals with excellent themes as she struggles to become an adult, talk to people and make sense of the world. However, this film follows a familiar theme of focusing on one talent, shown as an obsession. In this case, she’s obsessed with Star-Trek and is writing a script.
Whilst these portrayals can give hope, they can sometimes be harmful for autistic children as they’re pressurised to be some kind of genius as they grow up, due to this stereotype. It also paints a picture that things will improve as they grow up, which may not be the case, and may lead to ignoring working on finding enjoyment in life, as it is.
1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atypical
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Jacob's Time 
It is good you give ideas of films and books to read which deal with autism, and will help people to understand the condition, but balance this with warnings that not all people with autism shold have unrealistic expectations placed upon them.
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