A writer has shared how watching the French film Amélie allowed her to embrace her neurodivergence, having recognised herself in the titular character. She first watched the film ten years ago while at the University of Cambridge, describing it as the first time she had seen a woman on screen who was at the centre of a story and moved through the world as she did.
The writer, who was formally diagnosed with autism in her early 20s, noted that Amélie is never explicitly labelled as autistic in the film. However, she identified with Amélie's overstimulation, loneliness, fear of the unknown, comfort in her own company, and strong likes and dislikes.
She also recognised specific behaviours in young Amélie, such as hand flapping and spinning a coin, as "stimming" – repetitive movements that help process sensory input. The film's cinematography, including wide lenses and intensified sound during Métro scenes, also evoked the experience of sensory overload for her.
The writer now organises neurodivergent film screenings and has a community of autistic people. Her book, The Mind of the Doctor by Lillian Crawford, was launched in August.