Making real, loyal friends is a socially complex process. For autistic people who already feel like they’re classified as Other if not total outcasts, the process is somewhat mysterious. To me, it made sense that Keegan would see a movie about a diverse group making real connections and choose to use it as a template. (It also made sense that a topic such as breakfast would be what drew him to it in the first place. Aside from a special interest in gluten-free pancakes, he’s looking for a system that unlocks the mysteries of socialization and acceptance.) He wants to be part of a club and finally be on the inside of something—even if he has to create it himself.

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