Movies with Characters Who Have Learning and Attention Issues and Developmental Disabilities

Last updated: October 2, 2025

Watching movies about characters with learning and attention issues and developmental disabilities can give kids a chance to see relatable characters on-screen and help build understanding, compassion, and inclusivity. We have other inclusive/engaging picks on our Movies with Characters Who Have Physical Disabilities and Books with Characters on the Autism Spectrum lists.

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Finding Dory movie poster: Blue tang Dory and friends in the ocean

MOVIE

Finding Dory

age 6+

Delightful sequel promotes teamwork; sadness, scares.

June 17, 2016 2016 PG (103 minutes)

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A Mile in His Shoes Poster Image

MOVIE

A Mile in His Shoes

age 8+

Inspirational baseball tale about a pitcher with autism.

January 10, 2012 2012 PG (91 minutes)

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A silhouetted figure in a wheelchair is poised in the wings to enter a ballet performance.

MOVIE

Everybody Dance

age 8+

Sweet docu follows kids with disabilities at ballet school.

October 7, 2022 2022 NR (85 minutes)

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Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World movie poster: Makayla Cain with headphones and a background with letters.

MOVIE

Makayla's Voice: A Letter to the World

age 8+

Potentially upsetting scenes in poignant short docu.

December 11, 2024 2024 NR (24 minutes)

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The Speed Cubers Poster Image

MOVIE

The Speed Cubers

age 8+

Inspiring short docu about competition and friendship.

July 29, 2020 2020 PG (40 minutes)

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Un Disfraz para Nicolas (A Costume for Nicolas) Poster Image

MOVIE

Un Disfraz para Nicolas (A Costume for Nicolas)

age 8+

Animated movie about imaginative boy with Down syndrome.

August 14, 2020 2020 NR (80 minutes)

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Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Autism movie poster: Kaleb and his dog.

MOVIE

Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Autism

age 8+

Poignant docu highlights compassion; self-harm mentioned.

April 22, 2025 2025 NR (42 minutes)

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Amazing Antoine movie poster: Antoine and woman

MOVIE

Amazing Antoine

age 10+

French docu about boy with autism starring in a TV series.

December 10, 2023 2023 NR (42 minutes)

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Confetti Movie Poster: Helen and Lan Chen's faces are at the top, while Meimei is below, surrounded by a cloud of letters

MOVIE

Confetti

age 10+

Small, touching drama about a young girl with dyslexia.

August 20, 2021 2021 NR (86 minutes)

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Far from the Tree Poster Image

MOVIE

Far from the Tree

age 10+

Touching docu about parents raising uniquely different kids.

July 20, 2018 2018 NR (93 minutes)

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The Reason I Jump Poster Image

MOVIE

The Reason I Jump

age 10+

Powerful, insightful docu about people with autism.

January 8, 2021 2021 NR (82 minutes)

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Hichki movie poster: An Indian woman in an orange top above a group of school students standing in front of a school building

MOVIE

Hichki

age 11+

Tourette's-focused Indian drama is heartfelt and inspiring.

March 23, 2018 2018 NR (116 minutes)

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Rudy Poster Image

MOVIE

Rudy

age 11+

Inspiring sports film about a real-life underdog.

October 13, 1993 1993 PG (112 minutes)

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Swim Team Poster Image

MOVIE

Swim Team

age 11+

Inspiring documentary about young athletes with autism.

July 7, 2017 2017 NR (100 minutes)

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How to Dance in Ohio Poster Image

MOVIE

How to Dance in Ohio

age 12+

Inspirational, heartwarming doc about living with autism.

January 25, 2015 2015 NR (89 minutes)

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Life, Animated Poster Image

MOVIE

Life, Animated

age 12+

Unforgettable doc about autism, communication, Disney.

July 1, 2016 2016 PG (91 minutes)

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Where Hope Grows Poster Image

MOVIE

Where Hope Grows

age 12+

Moving faith-based friendship drama not just for believers.

May 15, 2015 2015 PG-13 (95 minutes)

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A Brilliant Young Mind Poster Image

MOVIE

A Brilliant Young Mind

age 13+

Affecting drama about math whiz tackles loss, special needs.

September 11, 2015 2015 PG-13 (111 minutes)

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Adam Poster Image

MOVIE

Adam

age 13+

Surprisingly fresh romance upends your assumptions.

July 29, 2009 2009 PG-13 (99 minutes)

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Asperger's Are Us Poster Image

MOVIE

Asperger's Are Us

age 13+

Young men with ASD prep for comedy show in smart docu.

November 11, 2016 2016 NR (82 minutes)

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