Autistica: Lessons in Chemistry is Autistic

Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) as an autistic-coded female scientist navigating 1950s sexism, ableism, and neurodivergence.

Her relationship with fellow autistic scientist Calvin Evans—celebrated as a true autistic love story where info-dumping = intimacy.

Elizabeth’s daughter, Madeline, depicted as autistic-coded and nurtured in an affirming, inclusive home environment.

How the show highlights masking, special interests, data collection, and justice sensitivity as integral parts of autistic life.

Exploration of the double empathy problem and why autistic-to-autistic relationships can be uniquely validating (and sometimes easier!).

How neuro-inclusive family structures are shown as not only possible but profoundly beneficial.

Why Lessons in Chemistry succeeds where so many other portrayals fail—showing autistic people as whole, complex humans.