1 00:00:14,740 --> 00:00:16,740 Hello. 2 00:00:16,740 --> 00:00:18,620 When the ABC, and then Netflix, 3 00:00:18,620 --> 00:00:21,740 screened a show called Love On The Spectrum, 4 00:00:21,740 --> 00:00:22,020 screened a show called Love On The Spectrum, one of the participants, Michael Theo, became the breakout star. 5 00:00:22,020 --> 00:00:25,900 one of the participants, Michael Theo, became the breakout star. 6 00:00:25,900 --> 00:00:26,140 one of the participants, Michael His earnest quest to find true love 7 00:00:26,140 --> 00:00:28,100 His earnest quest to find true love 8 00:00:28,100 --> 00:00:31,100 and his incredible on-screen charisma 9 00:00:31,100 --> 00:00:33,740 won him legions of fans around the world. 10 00:00:33,740 --> 00:00:36,860 What Michael did next transformed his life 11 00:00:36,860 --> 00:00:37,100 What Michael did next and fulfilled a childhood dream. 12 00:00:37,100 --> 00:00:39,500 and fulfilled a childhood dream. 13 00:00:42,980 --> 00:00:45,660 I don't see myself as a normal human being. 14 00:00:45,660 --> 00:00:50,220 I see myself as an eccentric, possibly flamboyant comedian 15 00:00:50,220 --> 00:00:50,460 I see myself as an eccentric, who makes people laugh. 16 00:00:50,460 --> 00:00:51,580 who makes people laugh. 17 00:00:55,780 --> 00:00:58,180 It's always nerve-racking because this will be the first time 18 00:00:58,180 --> 00:01:00,580 that an audience has actually watched the first two episodes. 19 00:01:00,580 --> 00:01:01,700 Yeah. 20 00:01:01,700 --> 00:01:03,620 That's something I'm kind of nervous about myself. 21 00:01:07,140 --> 00:01:11,220 I actually was nonverbal as a small child, 22 00:01:11,220 --> 00:01:15,460 but I always had this dream of becoming an actor. 23 00:01:15,460 --> 00:01:18,820 It's what I've always wanted to do since early childhood. 24 00:01:18,820 --> 00:01:19,060 It's what I've always wanted to do Oh, this is the shot. 25 00:01:19,060 --> 00:01:20,700 Oh, this is the shot. 26 00:01:20,700 --> 00:01:23,860 It's not about the fame. It's about the art. 27 00:01:23,860 --> 00:01:24,100 It's not about the fame. Fame just comes with acting. 28 00:01:24,100 --> 00:01:25,780 Fame just comes with acting. 29 00:01:25,780 --> 00:01:30,180 I think I'm bathing in the reflected glory of Michael Theo. 30 00:01:30,180 --> 00:01:31,340 Thanks. 31 00:01:31,340 --> 00:01:33,380 Where Michael really struck a chord with people 32 00:01:33,380 --> 00:01:34,740 was when he was on Love On The Spectrum. 33 00:01:34,740 --> 00:01:38,940 This room here is my bedroom, but I actually call it my quarters. 34 00:01:38,940 --> 00:01:39,180 This room here is my bedroom, He was charismatic. 35 00:01:39,180 --> 00:01:40,740 He was charismatic. 36 00:01:40,740 --> 00:01:41,900 These are my love ducks. 37 00:01:41,900 --> 00:01:45,180 His kind of honesty and his genuine pursuit of love, 38 00:01:45,180 --> 00:01:48,700 I think, captured, you know, the hearts and minds of the viewers. 39 00:01:48,700 --> 00:01:50,580 What's your greatest dream in life? 40 00:01:50,580 --> 00:01:52,340 To become a husband. 41 00:01:52,340 --> 00:01:56,020 Now he's a bit of a worldwide phenomenon in a lot of ways. 42 00:01:56,020 --> 00:01:58,620 And I thought, can he be in a scripted series? 43 00:01:58,620 --> 00:01:58,860 And I thought, Does he have the chops? 44 00:01:58,860 --> 00:02:00,180 Does he have the chops? 45 00:02:00,180 --> 00:02:03,220 (MUSIC PLAYS) 46 00:02:05,660 --> 00:02:07,020 Hey, Dizzy. 47 00:02:07,020 --> 00:02:07,260 Best hangover cure - Hey, Dizzy. 48 00:02:07,260 --> 00:02:09,940 Best hangover cure - sardines on toast. 49 00:02:09,940 --> 00:02:12,260 MAN: I think even Michael himself was surprised 50 00:02:12,260 --> 00:02:12,500 MAN: I think even Michael himself how much he took to it. 51 00:02:12,500 --> 00:02:14,220 how much he took to it. 52 00:02:14,220 --> 00:02:15,740 Simone... 53 00:02:15,740 --> 00:02:19,180 Just because he plays guitar does not mean that you're in love with him. 54 00:02:19,180 --> 00:02:22,820 This is someone who is experiencing the joy of getting to do something 55 00:02:22,820 --> 00:02:25,540 they thought they would never get to do, 56 00:02:25,540 --> 00:02:25,780 they thought and seizing it with both hands 57 00:02:25,780 --> 00:02:27,820 and seizing it with both hands 58 00:02:27,820 --> 00:02:30,940 and getting everything out of it that they possibly can. 59 00:02:35,780 --> 00:02:37,820 Well done. Thank you, sir. 60 00:02:42,460 --> 00:02:46,100 When I was younger, I often felt inferior to my brother. 61 00:02:46,100 --> 00:02:50,660 While I was growing up, I just felt like that I wasn't good enough. 62 00:02:50,660 --> 00:02:50,940 In fact, I often compare myself to my brother, While I was growing up, I just felt like that I wasn't good enough. 63 00:02:50,940 --> 00:02:55,740 In fact, I often compare myself to my brother, 64 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:56,020 In fact, I often compare myself to my brother, something I probably shouldn't have done. 65 00:02:56,020 --> 00:02:57,580 something I probably shouldn't have done. 66 00:02:57,580 --> 00:03:01,300 I would often label him as a fresh cut of meat from God 67 00:03:01,300 --> 00:03:04,860 and myself as a double scoop of dog shit. 68 00:03:04,860 --> 00:03:05,100 Comparing yourself to something and myself as a double scoop of dog shit. 69 00:03:05,100 --> 00:03:07,380 Comparing yourself to something 70 00:03:07,380 --> 00:03:10,620 to make light of yourself in such a derogatory way, 71 00:03:10,620 --> 00:03:10,900 to make light of yourself in such a derogatory way, just...it's never going to benefit you. 72 00:03:10,900 --> 00:03:13,180 just...it's never going to benefit you. 73 00:03:13,180 --> 00:03:13,980 It's gutting. 74 00:03:15,220 --> 00:03:20,460 I don't know why he would want to compare himself to dog shit. 75 00:03:20,460 --> 00:03:20,740 It's been a hard road for him. And for us. I don't know why he would want to compare himself to dog shit. 76 00:03:20,740 --> 00:03:23,500 It's been a hard road for him. And for us. 77 00:03:23,500 --> 00:03:25,620 And for us. For us as parents watching him. 78 00:03:25,620 --> 00:03:26,860 But imagine what it's like to be him 79 00:03:26,860 --> 00:03:27,060 But imagine what it's like to be him having to make that journey. 80 00:03:27,060 --> 00:03:29,580 having to make that journey. 81 00:03:29,580 --> 00:03:31,860 I remember that when I was in primary school, 82 00:03:31,860 --> 00:03:35,100 I was off in my own world all the time, 83 00:03:35,100 --> 00:03:37,220 which is something that I no longer do anymore. 84 00:03:37,220 --> 00:03:37,980 Yep. 85 00:03:37,980 --> 00:03:40,900 Well, it's good that you acknowledge that and you can see it. 86 00:03:40,900 --> 00:03:43,500 That just shows how much you've developed. 87 00:03:43,500 --> 00:03:45,740 He's worked so hard to get to where he is, 88 00:03:45,740 --> 00:03:49,420 to be who he is and to be accepted. 89 00:03:49,420 --> 00:03:55,020 I just have this strange ability to make people laugh 90 00:03:55,020 --> 00:03:57,060 without even trying. 91 00:03:57,060 --> 00:03:59,900 And yet when I try to be funny, it doesn't work. 92 00:03:59,900 --> 00:04:02,140 One of the things that I've said to Michael 93 00:04:02,140 --> 00:04:04,340 is that, you know, life is full of storms, 94 00:04:04,340 --> 00:04:08,020 but once the storm is over, there's nothing left but rainbows. 95 00:04:08,020 --> 00:04:09,260 Yeah. 96 00:04:09,260 --> 00:04:10,620 (ON VIDEO) Hello, Mikey. 97 00:04:11,660 --> 00:04:14,380 Michael was born in 1994. 98 00:04:14,380 --> 00:04:16,100 (ON VIDEO) Who's a beautiful boy? 99 00:04:16,100 --> 00:04:17,900 And he was my first child. 100 00:04:17,900 --> 00:04:18,940 And... 101 00:04:22,100 --> 00:04:24,660 You OK? Yeah. 102 00:04:24,660 --> 00:04:27,300 Da-da-da-da-da. 103 00:04:27,300 --> 00:04:27,540 As anybody's first child, Da-da-da-da-da. 104 00:04:27,540 --> 00:04:30,420 As anybody's first child, you think that they're perfect. 105 00:04:30,420 --> 00:04:33,700 He was reaching all the milestones. (ON VIDEO) Michael! Over here. 106 00:04:33,700 --> 00:04:33,940 He was reaching all the milestones. He was playful. 107 00:04:33,940 --> 00:04:36,180 He was playful. 108 00:04:36,180 --> 00:04:37,420 He was very social. 109 00:04:37,420 --> 00:04:40,100 (ON VIDEO) Come on. Go for a walk in your car. 110 00:04:40,100 --> 00:04:44,020 Between the ages of about a year to a year and a half, 111 00:04:44,020 --> 00:04:45,900 we noticed that he was going backwards. 112 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:46,140 we noticed (ON VIDEO) Oh, your dog. 113 00:04:46,140 --> 00:04:47,180 (ON VIDEO) Oh, your dog. 114 00:04:47,180 --> 00:04:51,020 You know, he went from talking, to he's not talking, 115 00:04:51,020 --> 00:04:51,260 You know, he went from talking, very frustrated all the time. 116 00:04:51,260 --> 00:04:53,500 very frustrated all the time. 117 00:04:54,340 --> 00:04:56,140 (ON VIDEO) What are you watching? 118 00:04:56,140 --> 00:04:58,700 Then he goes to pre-school at age three 119 00:04:58,700 --> 00:04:58,940 Then he goes to pre-school and the pre-school said, look, 120 00:04:58,940 --> 00:05:00,660 and the pre-school said, look, 121 00:05:00,660 --> 00:05:05,180 "We see some differences between Michael and other children," 122 00:05:05,180 --> 00:05:08,940 and that's kind of how it all started. 123 00:05:10,780 --> 00:05:12,980 He was a bit of a loner. 124 00:05:13,980 --> 00:05:16,700 Didn't really like to socialise too much, 125 00:05:16,700 --> 00:05:20,300 and he used to get really upset in noisy environments. 126 00:05:20,300 --> 00:05:22,140 (ON VIDEO) Michael. 127 00:05:22,140 --> 00:05:23,780 Come here, Mike. 128 00:05:23,780 --> 00:05:26,820 When did we get over the denial stage, Tom? 129 00:05:26,820 --> 00:05:28,500 We didn't know that he was on the spectrum. 130 00:05:28,500 --> 00:05:31,700 We just thought he was a bit unusual at the time. 131 00:05:31,700 --> 00:05:34,220 (ON VIDEO) What are you doing? Come here. 132 00:05:34,220 --> 00:05:35,980 Michael was almost eight years old 133 00:05:35,980 --> 00:05:39,060 when he was formally diagnosed with Asperger's. 134 00:05:39,060 --> 00:05:42,220 It's now called autism. But back then, it was Asperger's. 135 00:05:42,220 --> 00:05:42,460 It's now called autism. We were given information like, um, 136 00:05:42,460 --> 00:05:45,340 We were given information like, um, 137 00:05:45,340 --> 00:05:47,780 he may never say "I love you." 138 00:05:47,780 --> 00:05:48,940 Um, 139 00:05:48,940 --> 00:05:49,180 the best you can expect would be personal hygiene. Um, 140 00:05:49,180 --> 00:05:52,140 the best you can expect would be personal hygiene. 141 00:05:52,140 --> 00:05:52,380 If he does that, that'll be a win. would be personal hygiene. 142 00:05:52,380 --> 00:05:54,780 If he does that, that'll be a win. 143 00:05:54,780 --> 00:05:55,020 If he does that, that'll be a win. And I just thought, what kind of a life is that? 144 00:05:55,020 --> 00:05:58,220 And I just thought, what kind of a life is that? 145 00:05:58,220 --> 00:06:02,740 So, that's where I started to become quite determined 146 00:06:02,740 --> 00:06:06,700 that Michael was going to have better. 147 00:06:06,700 --> 00:06:09,220 (ON VIDEO) Mikey's heading for the video cabinet. 148 00:06:09,220 --> 00:06:09,460 (ON VIDEO) Mikey's heading I was constantly off in my own world 149 00:06:09,460 --> 00:06:11,700 I was constantly off in my own world 150 00:06:11,700 --> 00:06:15,140 due to the fact that I was a boy on the autism spectrum. 151 00:06:16,660 --> 00:06:19,940 But Mum helped me break out of that 152 00:06:19,940 --> 00:06:22,780 and become more engaged in the world around me. 153 00:06:22,780 --> 00:06:25,380 And I would say, "OK, Mike, this is what we're doing." 154 00:06:25,380 --> 00:06:28,380 And I'd keep drawing him into what I'm doing 155 00:06:28,380 --> 00:06:30,900 and making him be in the here and now. 156 00:06:33,940 --> 00:06:36,500 When I was a kid, I used to watch things like Looney Tunes, 157 00:06:36,500 --> 00:06:36,740 When I was a kid, I used to watch The Flintstones, Disney films. 158 00:06:36,740 --> 00:06:39,140 The Flintstones, Disney films. 159 00:06:39,140 --> 00:06:41,300 Welcome to Jellystone, Doc. 160 00:06:41,300 --> 00:06:43,060 Michael wasn't speaking. 161 00:06:43,060 --> 00:06:47,260 Speech therapy wasn't working because he wasn't interested. 162 00:06:47,260 --> 00:06:48,420 # Meet George Jetson... # 163 00:06:50,180 --> 00:06:54,500 But I also noticed the way he reacted to animation. 164 00:06:54,500 --> 00:06:57,660 That, I could see, was going to be the medium 165 00:06:57,660 --> 00:07:02,060 to be able to tap into his language and get him talking. 166 00:07:02,060 --> 00:07:06,340 The power of the Dragon Scroll is mine! 167 00:07:06,340 --> 00:07:10,060 He'd be mesmerised by the cartoons on TV 168 00:07:10,060 --> 00:07:13,380 and you could see the intense concentration on his face. 169 00:07:13,380 --> 00:07:13,620 and you could see the intense Life's not fair, is it? 170 00:07:13,620 --> 00:07:16,420 Life's not fair, is it? 171 00:07:16,420 --> 00:07:20,420 You see, I... Well, I shall never be king. 172 00:07:20,420 --> 00:07:24,700 And he'd virtually repeat line for line for 20 minutes straight, 173 00:07:24,700 --> 00:07:26,300 the whole...all these scenes. 174 00:07:26,300 --> 00:07:28,780 Life's not fair, is it? 175 00:07:28,780 --> 00:07:29,020 You see, I... Life's not fair, is it? 176 00:07:29,020 --> 00:07:32,620 You see, I... Well, I shall never be king. 177 00:07:33,780 --> 00:07:38,340 And you shall never see the light of another day. 178 00:07:38,340 --> 00:07:39,100 Adieu. 179 00:07:39,100 --> 00:07:42,460 And when I saw him do that, I just freaked out and went, "Holy smoke!" 180 00:07:42,460 --> 00:07:45,180 This guy's cut out for this sort of stuff sometime in the future. 181 00:07:49,380 --> 00:07:52,180 Alright, so, first time you've done animation, Michael? 182 00:07:52,180 --> 00:07:53,460 Yep. This is my first time 183 00:07:53,460 --> 00:07:56,020 doing a voiceover for an animated character. 184 00:07:56,020 --> 00:07:56,260 doing a voiceover So this is basically new to me. 185 00:07:56,260 --> 00:07:58,500 So this is basically new to me. 186 00:07:58,500 --> 00:07:59,380 Let's go in here 187 00:07:59,380 --> 00:08:02,620 and I'll show you the character that you're going to be playing. 188 00:08:02,620 --> 00:08:03,700 Oh, yeah. Of course. 189 00:08:03,700 --> 00:08:07,500 So, he looks like a punk, but he's actually a very gentle, kind soul. 190 00:08:07,500 --> 00:08:07,740 So, he looks like a punk, but he's And he works at the local shops. 191 00:08:07,740 --> 00:08:09,700 And he works at the local shops. 192 00:08:09,700 --> 00:08:13,060 Animation was more like an escape from reality for me. 193 00:08:13,060 --> 00:08:13,340 It's something that brought me a lot of joy, Animation was more like an escape from reality for me. 194 00:08:13,340 --> 00:08:15,060 It's something that brought me a lot of joy, 195 00:08:15,060 --> 00:08:16,420 and it still does to this day. 196 00:08:16,420 --> 00:08:16,660 and it still does to this day. Whenever you're ready. OK. 197 00:08:16,660 --> 00:08:19,340 Whenever you're ready. OK. 198 00:08:19,340 --> 00:08:19,580 Whenever you're ready. (HOWLS) 199 00:08:19,580 --> 00:08:23,860 (HOWLS) 200 00:08:23,860 --> 00:08:25,340 That sounds great. That's excellent. 201 00:08:25,340 --> 00:08:25,580 That sounds great. That sounds really good. 202 00:08:25,580 --> 00:08:26,740 That sounds really good. 203 00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:31,980 The world we live in is one giant chaotic mess. 204 00:08:31,980 --> 00:08:34,540 And so by watching television, 205 00:08:34,540 --> 00:08:35,860 watching films, 206 00:08:35,860 --> 00:08:40,100 and practising those voices and acting out the villainous characters, 207 00:08:40,100 --> 00:08:40,340 and practising those voices and it prevents me from lashing out. 208 00:08:40,340 --> 00:08:42,740 it prevents me from lashing out. 209 00:08:42,740 --> 00:08:46,540 Nobody ever gets harmed and nothing gets damaged. 210 00:08:46,540 --> 00:08:49,860 Mum once saw it as talking to myself, 211 00:08:49,860 --> 00:08:50,100 Mum once saw it but it is anything but that. 212 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:51,780 but it is anything but that. 213 00:08:51,780 --> 00:08:55,580 I actually was just practising voices. 214 00:08:55,580 --> 00:08:58,260 Let's give that a go, thanks, Mike. We'll get three in a row. 215 00:08:58,260 --> 00:08:58,500 Let's give that a go, thanks, Mike. You need more wet blankets. 216 00:08:58,500 --> 00:09:00,340 You need more wet blankets. 217 00:09:00,340 --> 00:09:00,580 I would say that this You need more wet blankets. 218 00:09:00,580 --> 00:09:03,860 I would say that this is like a full circle moment. 219 00:09:03,860 --> 00:09:06,580 It's something that I've spent my whole life since childhood 220 00:09:06,580 --> 00:09:06,820 It's something that I've spent questing for. 221 00:09:06,820 --> 00:09:07,620 questing for. 222 00:09:12,740 --> 00:09:18,660 When I was 13, Mum finally told me that I have Asperger's, 223 00:09:18,660 --> 00:09:19,980 because being a child, 224 00:09:19,980 --> 00:09:25,860 how can you possibly understand what Asperger's is or what autism is? 225 00:09:25,860 --> 00:09:28,620 Those nets weren't there back in my day. 226 00:09:28,620 --> 00:09:30,660 He'd often sit alone at school. 227 00:09:30,660 --> 00:09:33,140 He would say, so, yes, he'd be on his own. So... 228 00:09:33,140 --> 00:09:35,460 He said, "I feel like I'm invisible. 229 00:09:35,460 --> 00:09:39,300 "I want to socialise, but people aren't socialising with me." 230 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:39,580 "I want to socialise, but people aren't socialising with me." Mr Wade, long time no see, sir. Welcome. 231 00:09:39,580 --> 00:09:42,820 Mr Wade, long time no see, sir. Welcome. 232 00:09:42,820 --> 00:09:45,580 A lot of the teachers were like parental figures. 233 00:09:45,580 --> 00:09:49,340 I was just a well-behaved student who always showed up. 234 00:09:49,340 --> 00:09:49,580 I was just a well-behaved student I miss having you in my classes. 235 00:09:49,580 --> 00:09:51,340 I miss having you in my classes. 236 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:51,580 Yeah, those were I miss having you in my classes. 237 00:09:51,580 --> 00:09:53,380 Yeah, those were some of the best times. 238 00:09:53,380 --> 00:09:56,260 But I was a bit of a grumpy student back in the day 239 00:09:56,260 --> 00:09:59,620 because I found everything at school to be very stressful - 240 00:09:59,620 --> 00:10:01,740 the homework, the exams, the assignments 241 00:10:01,740 --> 00:10:01,980 the homework, the exams, and the immaturity of the students. 242 00:10:01,980 --> 00:10:04,300 and the immaturity of the students. 243 00:10:04,300 --> 00:10:04,540 It was just and the immaturity of the students. 244 00:10:04,540 --> 00:10:06,900 It was just a lot for me to take on board 245 00:10:06,900 --> 00:10:07,140 It was just and I was just unable to handle it. 246 00:10:07,140 --> 00:10:09,060 and I was just unable to handle it. 247 00:10:09,060 --> 00:10:11,780 Do you miss school sometimes? Not really. 248 00:10:11,780 --> 00:10:12,020 Do you miss school sometimes? No? 249 00:10:12,020 --> 00:10:13,260 No? 250 00:10:13,260 --> 00:10:15,540 I wasn't really paid much attention to 251 00:10:15,540 --> 00:10:17,900 by a lot of the girls from high school. 252 00:10:17,900 --> 00:10:21,460 I could never understand or figure out why. 253 00:10:21,460 --> 00:10:25,340 Maybe it was because there were guys that were supposedly hotter. 254 00:10:25,340 --> 00:10:26,820 But we'll never know. 255 00:10:26,820 --> 00:10:28,380 OK. Ready? Three, two... 256 00:10:28,380 --> 00:10:30,860 WOMAN: I first met Michael in high school. 257 00:10:30,860 --> 00:10:32,020 Thank you. 258 00:10:32,020 --> 00:10:33,500 He was a bit old beyond his years. 259 00:10:33,500 --> 00:10:35,980 He was certainly different from the other kids. 260 00:10:35,980 --> 00:10:37,020 I mean, that was obvious. 261 00:10:37,020 --> 00:10:37,220 I mean, that was obvious. And he did always want a girlfriend. 262 00:10:37,220 --> 00:10:40,180 And he did always want a girlfriend. 263 00:10:40,180 --> 00:10:40,420 And he did always want a girlfriend. And that wasn't going to happen for him in high school 264 00:10:40,420 --> 00:10:43,740 And that wasn't going to happen for him in high school 265 00:10:43,740 --> 00:10:45,900 the same way that it happens with other kids. 266 00:10:45,900 --> 00:10:47,580 Hello. Hi, Bri. 267 00:10:47,580 --> 00:10:49,860 Hey. How are you? Good. Yourself? 268 00:10:49,860 --> 00:10:54,820 It wasn't until after school that our friendship really blossomed. 269 00:10:54,820 --> 00:10:56,780 How are you going? I'm going good. How about you? 270 00:10:56,780 --> 00:10:59,620 Yeah. He's got this very big heart. 271 00:10:59,620 --> 00:10:59,860 Yeah. And you can't not see it, you know? 272 00:10:59,860 --> 00:11:02,420 And you can't not see it, you know? 273 00:11:02,420 --> 00:11:05,620 Like, he gives it to you if you show up for it. 274 00:11:05,620 --> 00:11:05,860 Like, he gives it to you So, how's the world been going? 275 00:11:05,860 --> 00:11:08,140 So, how's the world been going? 276 00:11:08,140 --> 00:11:08,380 I actually went to a speed dating So, how's the world been going? 277 00:11:08,380 --> 00:11:10,620 I actually went to a speed dating event on Tuesday night. 278 00:11:10,620 --> 00:11:13,340 Briana taught me that there are many kinds of love 279 00:11:13,340 --> 00:11:13,580 Briana taught me that there instead of just romantic love. 280 00:11:13,580 --> 00:11:15,340 instead of just romantic love. 281 00:11:15,340 --> 00:11:17,060 Did you meet anyone that you liked? 282 00:11:17,060 --> 00:11:19,940 There was a couple, but I only got matched with one of them. 283 00:11:19,940 --> 00:11:22,740 She's, like, the best friend a man could hope for. 284 00:11:22,740 --> 00:11:24,980 She's basically like a soul mate to me. 285 00:11:24,980 --> 00:11:26,700 Just not a romantic one. 286 00:11:29,100 --> 00:11:30,340 VANESSA: We didn't know 287 00:11:30,340 --> 00:11:33,100 what the workforce would look like for Michael. 288 00:11:33,100 --> 00:11:38,580 With assistance from a recruiter, he was able to get work. 289 00:11:38,580 --> 00:11:43,500 In 2014, I got the Certificate III in Shopfitting and Joinery. 290 00:11:43,500 --> 00:11:46,100 Some people might mishear it as shoplifting. 291 00:11:46,100 --> 00:11:48,620 Shoplifting is a crime, not a course. 292 00:11:49,860 --> 00:11:51,900 I was working in a kitchen manufacturer 293 00:11:51,900 --> 00:11:52,140 I was working sanding doors every day. 294 00:11:52,140 --> 00:11:54,380 sanding doors every day. 295 00:11:54,380 --> 00:11:55,460 OK. 296 00:11:55,460 --> 00:11:56,900 But I'm not going to go into that 297 00:11:56,900 --> 00:11:58,540 because that brings back bad memories. 298 00:12:00,700 --> 00:12:02,380 It was, unfortunately, 299 00:12:02,380 --> 00:12:08,100 with an employer who had an employee that thought Michael needed fixing, 300 00:12:08,100 --> 00:12:11,780 but they tried to fix him by treating him like rubbish, actually. 301 00:12:11,780 --> 00:12:12,020 but they tried to fix him by He was bullied quite a bit. 302 00:12:12,020 --> 00:12:13,300 He was bullied quite a bit. 303 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:14,900 Yes. Quite a bit. 304 00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:19,180 And there was a lot of inappropriate language used and he was belittled. 305 00:12:20,220 --> 00:12:22,580 And that employer has got no idea 306 00:12:22,580 --> 00:12:26,700 the amount of damage that was done to Michael. 307 00:12:27,820 --> 00:12:30,700 When he left that job he was very, very low. 308 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:32,980 It was probably the lowest point in his life. 309 00:12:32,980 --> 00:12:33,220 It was probably the lowest point Yeah. 310 00:12:33,220 --> 00:12:33,980 Yeah. 311 00:12:33,980 --> 00:12:36,140 Last one. Yeah. 312 00:12:38,140 --> 00:12:42,900 Michael's second job was in another kitchen manufacturer. 313 00:12:42,900 --> 00:12:43,140 Michael's second job was in I'll think of something. 314 00:12:43,140 --> 00:12:44,100 I'll think of something. 315 00:12:44,100 --> 00:12:47,820 And he was quite included and respected. 316 00:12:47,820 --> 00:12:50,420 And they took him under their wing and looked after him. 317 00:12:50,420 --> 00:12:52,420 And he was happy. And he was... And he was happy. 318 00:12:52,420 --> 00:12:54,180 Hey, Quinn. Hey, Michael. How are you? 319 00:12:54,180 --> 00:12:56,020 Good. Just do this one for me. 320 00:12:56,020 --> 00:12:59,460 BRI: Michael didn't do lots of dating in his early 20s. 321 00:12:59,460 --> 00:13:00,380 Let's go. How about you? 322 00:13:00,380 --> 00:13:00,620 Let's go. Always good. Always good. 323 00:13:00,620 --> 00:13:01,620 Always good. Always good. 324 00:13:01,620 --> 00:13:04,180 He really wanted love. He really wanted a wife. 325 00:13:04,180 --> 00:13:05,300 Ready? Yeah. 326 00:13:05,300 --> 00:13:06,340 Let's go. How many reps? 327 00:13:06,340 --> 00:13:06,580 Let's go. 10. 328 00:13:06,580 --> 00:13:07,340 10. 329 00:13:07,340 --> 00:13:08,820 It's caused him a little bit of anguish. 330 00:13:08,820 --> 00:13:09,060 It's caused him He always wanted to find somebody 331 00:13:09,060 --> 00:13:10,780 He always wanted to find somebody 332 00:13:10,780 --> 00:13:11,020 and couldn't understand why He always wanted to find somebody 333 00:13:11,020 --> 00:13:13,700 and couldn't understand why he couldn't find somebody. 334 00:13:13,700 --> 00:13:13,940 and couldn't understand why Last one. 335 00:13:13,940 --> 00:13:14,700 Last one. 336 00:13:14,700 --> 00:13:16,380 12. Beautiful. Lock it in. 337 00:13:16,380 --> 00:13:16,660 For some reason, people on the autism spectrum 12. Beautiful. Lock it in. 338 00:13:16,660 --> 00:13:19,660 For some reason, people on the autism spectrum 339 00:13:19,660 --> 00:13:22,340 find it difficult to find love as well. 340 00:13:23,380 --> 00:13:25,900 In fact, dating is the hardest thing I've ever done. 341 00:13:25,900 --> 00:13:26,140 In fact, dating is the hardest thing Even more so than working out. 342 00:13:26,140 --> 00:13:28,580 Even more so than working out. 343 00:13:30,260 --> 00:13:32,180 You've got it. Last one. 344 00:13:32,180 --> 00:13:33,180 That hurt him a little bit, 345 00:13:33,180 --> 00:13:33,420 that he couldn't figure out how to connect to people That hurt him a little bit, 346 00:13:33,420 --> 00:13:35,940 that he couldn't figure out how to connect to people 347 00:13:35,940 --> 00:13:36,180 that he couldn't figure out in the way that he wanted to, 348 00:13:36,180 --> 00:13:37,740 in the way that he wanted to, 349 00:13:37,740 --> 00:13:37,940 in the way that he wanted to, or that, more than that, 350 00:13:37,940 --> 00:13:39,380 or that, more than that, 351 00:13:39,380 --> 00:13:41,660 that people didn't know how to connect to him 352 00:13:41,660 --> 00:13:43,620 in the way that he wanted to connect. 353 00:13:43,620 --> 00:13:45,220 You've got to keep that tempo. Four. 354 00:13:45,220 --> 00:13:48,900 When Michael first said he was going to be on Love On The Spectrum, 355 00:13:48,900 --> 00:13:49,140 When Michael first said he was going to be honest, it was great, 356 00:13:49,140 --> 00:13:50,380 to be honest, it was great, 357 00:13:50,380 --> 00:13:52,980 but I didn't know it was going to be as big as it was. 358 00:13:52,980 --> 00:13:53,220 but I didn't know Very good. Beautiful. 359 00:13:53,220 --> 00:13:55,780 Very good. Beautiful. 360 00:13:56,900 --> 00:14:01,180 Yeah. So, I'm the co-creator and director of Love On The Spectrum. 361 00:14:01,180 --> 00:14:02,140 I want a job. 362 00:14:02,140 --> 00:14:02,380 I'd been working on a series for ABC called Employable Me. I want a job. 363 00:14:02,380 --> 00:14:05,140 I'd been working on a series for ABC called Employable Me. 364 00:14:05,140 --> 00:14:05,380 I'd been working on a series for ABC called Employable Me. I'm an employable man. 365 00:14:05,380 --> 00:14:07,060 I'm an employable man. 366 00:14:09,940 --> 00:14:11,860 And through that process 367 00:14:11,860 --> 00:14:15,020 of making a series about people with disabilities 368 00:14:15,020 --> 00:14:15,260 of making a series looking for employment, 369 00:14:15,260 --> 00:14:16,940 looking for employment, 370 00:14:16,940 --> 00:14:19,660 we'd met many, many individuals with autism. 371 00:14:19,660 --> 00:14:21,100 And a lot of them, to be honest, 372 00:14:21,100 --> 00:14:24,500 wanted to find love more than they wanted to find a job. 373 00:14:24,500 --> 00:14:24,740 We sat together and talked about, wanted to find love more than they wanted to find a job. 374 00:14:24,740 --> 00:14:26,020 We sat together and talked about, 375 00:14:26,020 --> 00:14:26,260 well, could we make a love We sat together and talked about, 376 00:14:26,260 --> 00:14:29,780 well, could we make a love and relationship show 377 00:14:29,780 --> 00:14:30,020 well, could we make a love and relationship show that really explored 378 00:14:30,020 --> 00:14:31,460 that really explored 379 00:14:31,460 --> 00:14:34,780 how autistic people, who haven't had love in their lives, 380 00:14:34,780 --> 00:14:37,900 and really look at some of those stigmas around autism. 381 00:14:37,900 --> 00:14:38,180 OK. Michael, are you available next Saturday to come to Sydney and really look at some of those stigmas around autism. 382 00:14:38,180 --> 00:14:44,660 OK. Michael, are you available next Saturday to come to Sydney 383 00:14:44,660 --> 00:14:49,780 to, you know, go on a date with a girl who we've been chatting to? 384 00:14:49,780 --> 00:14:50,020 I just couldn't give up this image a girl who we've been chatting to? 385 00:14:50,020 --> 00:14:51,740 I just couldn't give up this image 386 00:14:51,740 --> 00:14:51,980 I just couldn't give up this image that I had got from the very first Zoom interview 387 00:14:51,980 --> 00:14:55,220 that I had got from the very first Zoom interview 388 00:14:55,220 --> 00:14:56,660 that we'd done with Michael. 389 00:14:56,660 --> 00:14:56,900 It just...the clouds that passed over his face of expression. that we'd done with Michael. 390 00:14:56,900 --> 00:15:01,780 It just...the clouds that passed over his face of expression. 391 00:15:01,780 --> 00:15:04,900 There was something so unique that just completely grabbed me. 392 00:15:04,900 --> 00:15:05,140 That's how this show works, that just completely grabbed me. 393 00:15:05,140 --> 00:15:06,260 That's how this show works, 394 00:15:06,260 --> 00:15:08,460 is we say, "Oh, you know, are you available? 395 00:15:08,460 --> 00:15:10,220 "Are you interested in going on a date with this person?" 396 00:15:10,220 --> 00:15:10,460 "Are you interested in going on a date with this person?" So, with Michael, 397 00:15:10,460 --> 00:15:11,340 So, with Michael, 398 00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:16,620 he was a 25-year-old man living with his parents, desperate to find love. 399 00:15:16,620 --> 00:15:16,860 he was a 25-year-old man living with Excuse me a second, gentlemen. 400 00:15:16,860 --> 00:15:17,780 Excuse me a second, gentlemen. 401 00:15:17,780 --> 00:15:19,140 When we were filming in his bedroom, 402 00:15:19,140 --> 00:15:19,380 he pulled out the plaque When we were filming in his bedroom, 403 00:15:19,380 --> 00:15:21,780 he pulled out the plaque from his wardrobe 404 00:15:21,780 --> 00:15:24,980 and said, "I've made this plaque for my future wife." 405 00:15:24,980 --> 00:15:27,460 When did you make this? Five years ago. 406 00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:30,060 Wow. You really want this, Michael? Oh, yes, I do. 407 00:15:31,060 --> 00:15:34,020 It's the most important thing that I want to achieve. 408 00:15:34,020 --> 00:15:35,940 He summed up everything 409 00:15:35,940 --> 00:15:39,620 that we wanted to say and achieve with this series. 410 00:15:39,620 --> 00:15:41,100 Hello. Hello. 411 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:43,620 You must be Jodi. Yes. Hello. Are you Michael? 412 00:15:43,620 --> 00:15:44,500 Yes. I am. 413 00:15:44,500 --> 00:15:44,740 I specialise in the area of supporting adults with disabilities Yes. I am. 414 00:15:44,740 --> 00:15:50,220 I specialise in the area of supporting adults with disabilities 415 00:15:50,220 --> 00:15:50,460 I specialise in the area of supporting adults with disabilities in that really complex area 416 00:15:50,460 --> 00:15:52,740 in that really complex area 417 00:15:52,740 --> 00:15:56,580 of intimate adult relationships and sexuality. 418 00:15:56,580 --> 00:15:59,260 I've been studying human behaviour for many years. 419 00:15:59,260 --> 00:15:59,500 I've been studying human behaviour That's excellent, Michael. 420 00:15:59,500 --> 00:16:00,740 That's excellent, Michael. 421 00:16:00,740 --> 00:16:00,980 It can be very, very complex That's excellent, Michael. 422 00:16:00,980 --> 00:16:04,540 It can be very, very complex for autistic people. 423 00:16:04,540 --> 00:16:07,620 You know, being able to be vulnerable with somebody else, 424 00:16:07,620 --> 00:16:11,340 particularly if people have been bullied or isolated 425 00:16:11,340 --> 00:16:14,540 or have consistently felt very, very different. 426 00:16:14,540 --> 00:16:19,940 One of my philosophies is never fall for a girl just because she's hot. 427 00:16:19,940 --> 00:16:21,580 I think that's an excellent philosophy. 428 00:16:21,580 --> 00:16:21,820 I think So, when I first met Michael, 429 00:16:21,820 --> 00:16:24,140 So, when I first met Michael, 430 00:16:24,140 --> 00:16:27,100 he was very determined that he was going to get married. 431 00:16:27,100 --> 00:16:28,980 He was going to meet his soul mate, 432 00:16:28,980 --> 00:16:33,620 this person who fit all of these categories that he had on a list. 433 00:16:33,620 --> 00:16:37,180 Love at first sight is a symptom of lust. 434 00:16:37,180 --> 00:16:38,980 And lust is the opposite of love. 435 00:16:38,980 --> 00:16:40,940 He hadn't even got to the first date 436 00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:43,740 and he was already planning the wedding. 437 00:16:43,740 --> 00:16:46,700 A lot of people our age aren't interested in commitment. 438 00:16:46,700 --> 00:16:49,900 They're only interested in intercourse. 439 00:16:49,900 --> 00:16:51,900 Yeah, look. It's true. 440 00:16:51,900 --> 00:16:54,020 We were a little bit nervous to start off with 441 00:16:54,020 --> 00:16:57,300 because we've never had cameras, and we're quite a private family. 442 00:16:57,300 --> 00:17:00,020 And, you know, once we got used to the cameras 443 00:17:00,020 --> 00:17:03,700 and all that sort of jazz and, um, you know, it was good. 444 00:17:03,700 --> 00:17:04,460 It was all for Michael. 445 00:17:04,460 --> 00:17:06,260 Hey. Hello, Amanda. 446 00:17:06,260 --> 00:17:06,500 Hey. How are you? 447 00:17:06,500 --> 00:17:07,340 How are you? 448 00:17:07,340 --> 00:17:09,820 Oh, please allow me. Thank you. 449 00:17:09,820 --> 00:17:10,060 Oh, please allow me. I'm more... 450 00:17:10,060 --> 00:17:10,820 I'm more... 451 00:17:10,820 --> 00:17:11,060 CIAN: The date with Amanda at I'm more... 452 00:17:11,060 --> 00:17:13,300 CIAN: The date with Amanda at the restaurant in Wollongong 453 00:17:13,300 --> 00:17:16,220 was his first ever one-on-one date. 454 00:17:16,220 --> 00:17:16,460 And because Michael has a lot of kind of traditional views was his first ever one-on-one date. 455 00:17:16,460 --> 00:17:20,260 And because Michael has a lot of kind of traditional views 456 00:17:20,260 --> 00:17:23,820 on what dating means and what you have to do 457 00:17:23,820 --> 00:17:24,060 on what dating means and what you have to do to be a polite gentleman, 458 00:17:24,060 --> 00:17:25,620 to be a polite gentleman, 459 00:17:25,620 --> 00:17:29,140 he wanted a really formal dinner. 460 00:17:29,140 --> 00:17:29,380 This is for you. he wanted a really formal dinner. 461 00:17:29,380 --> 00:17:32,820 This is for you. Oh! I love flowers. 462 00:17:32,820 --> 00:17:33,060 This is for you. I was pretty excited about it. 463 00:17:33,060 --> 00:17:34,820 I was pretty excited about it. 464 00:17:34,820 --> 00:17:36,700 Thank you. It's my pleasure. 465 00:17:36,700 --> 00:17:39,420 But that ended before it even started. 466 00:17:39,420 --> 00:17:45,220 JODI: This formality that Michael brought through his romantic persona 467 00:17:45,220 --> 00:17:48,140 ended up becoming quite overwhelming for Amanda, 468 00:17:48,140 --> 00:17:48,380 ended up becoming and she started to panic. 469 00:17:48,380 --> 00:17:49,740 and she started to panic. 470 00:17:49,740 --> 00:17:51,100 Would you like to take a break? 471 00:17:51,100 --> 00:17:54,860 And I think it was a learning for Mike during that point... 472 00:17:54,860 --> 00:17:57,420 I'll be back, OK? Yeah. That's fine. 473 00:17:57,420 --> 00:17:59,860 ..that that's not what everybody finds relaxing. 474 00:17:59,860 --> 00:18:00,100 ..that that's not what I think it's too formal. 475 00:18:00,100 --> 00:18:03,180 I think it's too formal. 476 00:18:03,180 --> 00:18:05,060 I can't do this. 477 00:18:05,060 --> 00:18:08,900 His immediate thing was, "Are they OK? 478 00:18:08,900 --> 00:18:09,140 His immediate thing was, "Have I done something wrong?" 479 00:18:09,140 --> 00:18:11,380 "Have I done something wrong?" 480 00:18:11,380 --> 00:18:13,340 You know, there's this archaic idea 481 00:18:13,340 --> 00:18:16,300 that autistic people don't have empathy, 482 00:18:16,300 --> 00:18:16,540 that autistic people which is so far from the truth. 483 00:18:16,540 --> 00:18:18,500 which is so far from the truth. 484 00:18:18,500 --> 00:18:20,220 Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. 485 00:18:20,220 --> 00:18:22,380 This is series two of Love On The Spectrum. 486 00:18:22,380 --> 00:18:26,060 KARINA: So, Michael didn't find love in series one, 487 00:18:26,060 --> 00:18:26,340 but when we knew we were making a second series, we knew KARINA: So, Michael didn't find love in series one, 488 00:18:26,340 --> 00:18:28,820 but when we knew we were making a second series, we knew 489 00:18:28,820 --> 00:18:32,260 that the audience just wanted to keep following Michael's journey. 490 00:18:32,260 --> 00:18:32,540 that the audience just wanted to keep following Michael's journey. You're a gentleman. It's my pleasure. 491 00:18:32,540 --> 00:18:34,860 You're a gentleman. It's my pleasure. 492 00:18:34,860 --> 00:18:37,300 REPORTER: Across two seasons of Love On The Spectrum, 493 00:18:37,300 --> 00:18:41,180 the world fell in love with Michael Theo. 494 00:18:41,180 --> 00:18:42,740 JODI: Once it hit Netflix, 495 00:18:42,740 --> 00:18:47,580 Love On The Spectrum just exploded all over the globe 496 00:18:47,580 --> 00:18:47,860 and was translated into seven languages, I think. Love On The Spectrum just exploded all over the globe 497 00:18:47,860 --> 00:18:51,860 and was translated into seven languages, I think. 498 00:18:51,860 --> 00:18:52,100 and was translated into seven languages, I think. And everybody who was in the show, 499 00:18:52,100 --> 00:18:53,900 And everybody who was in the show, 500 00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:56,380 it changed their lives when that happened, 501 00:18:56,380 --> 00:18:57,780 including Michael's. 502 00:18:57,780 --> 00:19:00,260 Michael didn't find romantic love in series two, 503 00:19:00,260 --> 00:19:05,460 but he found love from fans around Australia and around the world. 504 00:19:05,460 --> 00:19:05,700 but he found love from fans around If I actually was dating somebody, 505 00:19:05,700 --> 00:19:07,420 If I actually was dating somebody, 506 00:19:07,420 --> 00:19:08,980 she would be pretty much 507 00:19:08,980 --> 00:19:09,220 my most valuable and greatest she would be pretty much 508 00:19:09,220 --> 00:19:12,300 my most valuable and greatest treasure of all time. 509 00:19:12,300 --> 00:19:15,860 Oh, my God, I love him. He's the cutest. 510 00:19:17,420 --> 00:19:20,620 VANESSA: It was lovely to see Michael be accepted. 511 00:19:20,620 --> 00:19:20,860 VANESSA: It was lovely That's what I could see. 512 00:19:20,860 --> 00:19:22,340 That's what I could see. 513 00:19:22,340 --> 00:19:24,500 It was that acceptance of Mike. 514 00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:27,260 And I know how much he wanted that. 515 00:19:27,260 --> 00:19:28,860 He was no longer invisible. 516 00:19:28,860 --> 00:19:31,500 Being normal is lame. Why...? 517 00:19:31,500 --> 00:19:33,460 Why try to be like everybody else 518 00:19:33,460 --> 00:19:37,860 when you have the chance to stand out and be your unique self? 519 00:19:37,860 --> 00:19:42,540 I decided that if everybody else in Australia and around the world 520 00:19:42,540 --> 00:19:45,100 sees me as this wonderful, great person, 521 00:19:45,100 --> 00:19:47,660 then maybe I need to start doing the same. 522 00:19:47,660 --> 00:19:47,900 then maybe Would you go on another dating show? 523 00:19:47,900 --> 00:19:49,140 Would you go on another dating show? 524 00:19:49,140 --> 00:19:51,580 Like, I know that it was kind of a joke, 525 00:19:51,580 --> 00:19:53,340 but would you go on The Bachelor? 526 00:19:53,340 --> 00:19:54,620 No. 527 00:19:56,020 --> 00:19:57,020 I'll explain why. 528 00:19:57,020 --> 00:19:58,300 It's because I've heard 529 00:19:58,300 --> 00:19:58,540 that the men are not really allowed It's because I've heard 530 00:19:58,540 --> 00:20:01,180 that the men are not really allowed to be themselves, 531 00:20:01,180 --> 00:20:04,660 and they're also hairless and chiselled, which I am not. 532 00:20:04,660 --> 00:20:04,900 and they're also hairless (LAUGHTER) 533 00:20:04,900 --> 00:20:07,140 (LAUGHTER) 534 00:20:07,140 --> 00:20:09,420 Now Michael's got fans from all over the world, 535 00:20:09,420 --> 00:20:09,700 and hopefully he doesn't feel like a double scoop of dog shit anymore. Now Michael's got fans from all over the world, 536 00:20:09,700 --> 00:20:12,140 and hopefully he doesn't feel like a double scoop of dog shit anymore. 537 00:20:12,140 --> 00:20:12,420 and hopefully he doesn't feel like a double scoop of dog shit anymore. Before I was on television, I saw myself as a nobody from nowhere. 538 00:20:12,420 --> 00:20:17,140 Before I was on television, I saw myself as a nobody from nowhere. 539 00:20:17,140 --> 00:20:21,020 TOM: Michael was invited to do a TED talk in Sydney and he blew me away. 540 00:20:21,020 --> 00:20:21,260 TOM: Michael was invited to do a TED Success wasn't what I expected. 541 00:20:21,260 --> 00:20:23,660 Success wasn't what I expected. 542 00:20:23,660 --> 00:20:25,300 It's better. 543 00:20:27,460 --> 00:20:29,980 It was a great moment for me 544 00:20:29,980 --> 00:20:30,220 It was a great moment for me do what he did on stage. 545 00:20:30,220 --> 00:20:33,740 to watch my son do what he did on stage. 546 00:20:33,740 --> 00:20:34,020 to watch my son do what he did on stage. My father told me that I touched a lot of other people's hearts. 547 00:20:34,020 --> 00:20:38,380 My father told me that I touched a lot of other people's hearts. 548 00:20:38,380 --> 00:20:41,420 I was not only surprised by people's reactions, 549 00:20:41,420 --> 00:20:44,460 but it gave me the confidence and the self-belief 550 00:20:44,460 --> 00:20:47,300 that I could follow my dreams from childhood, 551 00:20:47,300 --> 00:20:48,940 which is acting and performing. 552 00:20:48,940 --> 00:20:50,380 I was so proud of him. 553 00:20:50,380 --> 00:20:53,860 I was literally in tears at the back of the room watching him. 554 00:20:53,860 --> 00:20:57,380 I haven't given up the quest for love. 555 00:20:57,380 --> 00:21:00,580 I'm simply putting it aside for the time being. 556 00:21:00,580 --> 00:21:02,420 Michael's been able to flourish 557 00:21:02,420 --> 00:21:05,260 how he's always wanted to flourish socially. 558 00:21:05,260 --> 00:21:05,500 But there's also this passion how he's always wanted to flourish socially. 559 00:21:05,500 --> 00:21:07,420 But there's also this passion 560 00:21:07,420 --> 00:21:07,660 But there's also this passion the entertainment industry. 561 00:21:07,660 --> 00:21:10,380 for wanting to enter the entertainment industry. 562 00:21:10,380 --> 00:21:10,620 for wanting to enter the entertainment industry. So, Michael, here in episode seven, 563 00:21:10,620 --> 00:21:13,180 So, Michael, here in episode seven, 564 00:21:13,180 --> 00:21:17,340 Austin discovers his father's... the falsehood of his father. 565 00:21:17,340 --> 00:21:20,380 I'm a film and television director and writer, 566 00:21:20,380 --> 00:21:20,660 and like everybody else, Michael really made an impact with me. I'm a film and television director and writer, 567 00:21:20,660 --> 00:21:25,140 and like everybody else, Michael really made an impact with me. 568 00:21:25,140 --> 00:21:25,420 and like everybody else, Michael really made an impact with me. And he was the first spark for the series called Austin. 569 00:21:25,420 --> 00:21:30,900 And he was the first spark for the series called Austin. 570 00:21:30,900 --> 00:21:33,420 And that takes us into episode eight, 571 00:21:33,420 --> 00:21:38,660 which is where Austin has sent him on a cryptic DNA quest. 572 00:21:38,660 --> 00:21:42,580 Darren was over in the UK and he's an old friend of mine, 573 00:21:42,580 --> 00:21:42,820 and he gets his laptop out Darren was over in the UK and he's an old friend of mine, 574 00:21:42,820 --> 00:21:43,860 and he gets his laptop out 575 00:21:43,860 --> 00:21:46,540 and he starts showing me scenes from Love On The Spectrum. 576 00:21:46,540 --> 00:21:46,820 and he starts showing me scenes from Love On The Spectrum. And Michael completely draws me in and I'm captivated by him 577 00:21:46,820 --> 00:21:51,180 And Michael completely draws me in and I'm captivated by him 578 00:21:51,180 --> 00:21:52,340 and I want to know more about him. 579 00:21:52,340 --> 00:21:52,580 I find him funny. I find him moving. and I want to know more about him. 580 00:21:52,580 --> 00:21:56,020 I find him funny. I find him moving. I find him incredibly truthful. 581 00:21:56,020 --> 00:22:00,700 I said to him, "Darren, do you think he could act?" 582 00:22:00,700 --> 00:22:03,460 So then we just kind of started talking about, you know, 583 00:22:03,460 --> 00:22:03,700 So then we just kind of started how would that work? 584 00:22:03,700 --> 00:22:04,740 how would that work? 585 00:22:04,740 --> 00:22:05,980 What would the story be? 586 00:22:05,980 --> 00:22:06,220 The great thing about that is it What would the story be? 587 00:22:06,220 --> 00:22:08,820 The great thing about that is it parallels exactly 588 00:22:08,820 --> 00:22:10,980 Michael's kind of relationship with his own mother. 589 00:22:10,980 --> 00:22:13,460 And we started digging into Michael's experiences, 590 00:22:13,460 --> 00:22:15,700 asking him about things that he'd been through. 591 00:22:15,700 --> 00:22:19,180 And in particular, there was a story about him being bullied at work, 592 00:22:19,180 --> 00:22:22,060 which we then developed into a story in the show. 593 00:22:22,060 --> 00:22:25,540 So, Austin, any other plans for this morning? 594 00:22:25,540 --> 00:22:27,740 I was going to pick up some more cheese. 595 00:22:27,740 --> 00:22:29,380 Oh, good. Good. We do need more cheese. 596 00:22:29,380 --> 00:22:32,900 KARINA: It was just obvious from that very first table read 597 00:22:32,900 --> 00:22:33,140 KARINA: It was just obvious that he was like a duck to water, 598 00:22:33,140 --> 00:22:35,380 that he was like a duck to water, 599 00:22:35,380 --> 00:22:37,220 and people were laughing 600 00:22:37,220 --> 00:22:40,820 and he was finding his timing and I was like, wow. 601 00:22:40,820 --> 00:22:41,100 and he was finding his timing and I was like, wow. I was nervous, but he was absolutely brilliant. 602 00:22:41,100 --> 00:22:44,220 I was nervous, but he was absolutely brilliant. 603 00:22:44,220 --> 00:22:47,340 Uh, let me just sign that for you quickly. What's your name? 604 00:22:47,340 --> 00:22:47,580 Uh, let me just sign that for you Austin Hogan. 605 00:22:47,580 --> 00:22:48,820 Austin Hogan. 606 00:22:48,820 --> 00:22:50,780 Austin is the centre of the show. 607 00:22:50,780 --> 00:22:55,820 It's about his journey of self-discovery and self-realisation. 608 00:22:55,820 --> 00:22:56,060 It's about his journey of I wanted to tell you something. 609 00:22:56,060 --> 00:22:58,300 I wanted to tell you something. 610 00:22:58,300 --> 00:23:01,420 I'm pretty sure that I'm your son. 611 00:23:04,380 --> 00:23:07,660 WOMAN: Michael, naturally, in real life is very literal, 612 00:23:07,660 --> 00:23:07,900 WOMAN: Michael, naturally, very straight ahead. 613 00:23:07,900 --> 00:23:08,940 very straight ahead. 614 00:23:08,940 --> 00:23:10,300 I'm your son. 615 00:23:10,300 --> 00:23:10,540 So he brings all of his natural, extraordinary traits and abilities I'm your son. 616 00:23:10,540 --> 00:23:14,140 So he brings all of his natural, extraordinary traits and abilities 617 00:23:14,140 --> 00:23:14,380 So he brings all of his natural, to the character. 618 00:23:14,380 --> 00:23:15,140 to the character. 619 00:23:15,140 --> 00:23:15,380 to the character. Is this meant to be an outtake? Exactly. 620 00:23:15,380 --> 00:23:18,060 Is this meant to be an outtake? Exactly. 621 00:23:18,060 --> 00:23:19,420 Just behind the scenes. Oh, cool. 622 00:23:19,420 --> 00:23:19,660 Just behind the scenes. What did you just say? 623 00:23:19,660 --> 00:23:20,540 What did you just say? 624 00:23:20,540 --> 00:23:23,580 I said it's almost like my mother is here. 625 00:23:25,420 --> 00:23:27,100 I'm channelling Vanessa. 626 00:23:27,100 --> 00:23:27,340 He was so excited every day I'm channelling Vanessa. 627 00:23:27,340 --> 00:23:31,620 He was so excited every day of the shoot to be on a set, 628 00:23:31,620 --> 00:23:33,500 getting to act with actors. 629 00:23:33,500 --> 00:23:35,540 And...action. 630 00:23:35,540 --> 00:23:38,780 He loved it. He loved it. And he was learning. 631 00:23:38,780 --> 00:23:42,140 I could see him learning every day from everyone around him. 632 00:23:42,140 --> 00:23:43,980 Is that what you're wearing? Is that what YOU'RE wearing? 633 00:23:43,980 --> 00:23:47,340 He had a natural confidence. He wasn't overwhelmed. 634 00:23:48,700 --> 00:23:51,460 Austin. How'd it go? 635 00:23:51,460 --> 00:23:53,060 I don't want to talk about it. 636 00:23:53,060 --> 00:23:53,300 What? Is that because it didn't go I don't want to talk about it. 637 00:23:53,300 --> 00:23:55,540 What? Is that because it didn't go how you'd hoped it might? 638 00:23:55,540 --> 00:23:58,060 I can't answer that without talking about it. 639 00:23:58,060 --> 00:24:00,020 I'm going to my quarters. 640 00:24:00,020 --> 00:24:00,260 Many people on the spectrum I'm going to my quarters. 641 00:24:00,260 --> 00:24:03,940 Many people on the spectrum have to be very good actors 642 00:24:03,940 --> 00:24:04,220 to show the world that they've got this. Many people on the spectrum have to be very good actors 643 00:24:04,220 --> 00:24:08,100 to show the world that they've got this. 644 00:24:08,100 --> 00:24:08,380 to show the world that they've got this. He's had to be an actor his whole life. 645 00:24:08,380 --> 00:24:10,660 He's had to be an actor his whole life. 646 00:24:10,660 --> 00:24:13,420 And he says that, "This is what I was born for." 647 00:24:13,420 --> 00:24:13,660 And he says that, Action. 648 00:24:13,660 --> 00:24:15,500 Action. 649 00:24:15,500 --> 00:24:17,220 Hello, Dad, this is Austin. 650 00:24:17,220 --> 00:24:20,140 Austin. Hi. I'm glad you're up. I wasn't sure if it was too early. 651 00:24:20,140 --> 00:24:20,380 Austin. Hi. I'm glad you're up. I get up at 6:50. 652 00:24:20,380 --> 00:24:22,420 I get up at 6:50. 653 00:24:22,420 --> 00:24:23,820 I'm currently ranking flags. 654 00:24:23,820 --> 00:24:24,060 Can't understand why everybody keeps asking me, "Were you nervous? I'm currently ranking flags. 655 00:24:24,060 --> 00:24:27,380 Can't understand why everybody keeps asking me, "Were you nervous? 656 00:24:27,380 --> 00:24:27,620 Can't understand why everybody "Do you feel nervous?" 657 00:24:27,620 --> 00:24:28,900 "Do you feel nervous?" 658 00:24:28,900 --> 00:24:32,460 Because I don't have a reason to be nervous. Why should I? 659 00:24:34,020 --> 00:24:36,020 I actually enjoy being in front of the camera. 660 00:24:36,020 --> 00:24:36,260 I actually enjoy It definitely felt like home. 661 00:24:36,260 --> 00:24:38,580 It definitely felt like home. 662 00:24:38,580 --> 00:24:40,620 Alright, let's have a walk through. Thank you. 663 00:24:40,620 --> 00:24:42,860 BEN: When you're on set, sometimes you need to do things 664 00:24:42,860 --> 00:24:44,940 over and over and over and over again. 665 00:24:44,940 --> 00:24:45,220 And he had the persistence to do that. over and over and over and over again. 666 00:24:45,220 --> 00:24:47,780 And he had the persistence to do that. 667 00:24:47,780 --> 00:24:48,060 And he had the persistence to do that. There were challenges and he just kept rising to them. 668 00:24:48,060 --> 00:24:51,620 There were challenges and he just kept rising to them. 669 00:24:51,620 --> 00:24:53,620 The only thing that we have in common, Eric, 670 00:24:53,620 --> 00:24:56,740 is that we're both forklift drivers and are 60% water. 671 00:24:56,740 --> 00:24:56,980 is that we're both forklift drivers When I first watched Austin, 672 00:24:56,980 --> 00:24:57,940 When I first watched Austin, 673 00:24:57,940 --> 00:25:01,060 seeing myself on camera still felt a little bit weird, 674 00:25:01,060 --> 00:25:03,500 but all the feedback has been very positive. 675 00:25:03,500 --> 00:25:03,740 but all the feedback Everyone loves the show. 676 00:25:03,740 --> 00:25:05,660 Everyone loves the show. 677 00:25:05,660 --> 00:25:08,300 My mum has seen it, like, nine times. 678 00:25:08,300 --> 00:25:11,980 It's an experience. Not that I got aroused or anything, but... 679 00:25:11,980 --> 00:25:12,220 It's an experience. Not that I got I did my best. That's all I can say. 680 00:25:12,220 --> 00:25:15,700 I did my best. That's all I can say. 681 00:25:17,260 --> 00:25:18,580 Hello, Jodi. Hello. 682 00:25:18,580 --> 00:25:20,860 Can you hear me? Yep, I can hear you. 683 00:25:20,860 --> 00:25:24,620 Michael and I now, we have maintained contact 684 00:25:24,620 --> 00:25:24,900 for five years and we have a genuine, respectful friendship. Michael and I now, we have maintained contact 685 00:25:24,900 --> 00:25:31,500 for five years and we have a genuine, respectful friendship. 686 00:25:31,500 --> 00:25:31,780 for five years and we have a genuine, respectful friendship. So, how are things going with you on the relationship front? 687 00:25:31,780 --> 00:25:34,340 So, how are things going with you on the relationship front? 688 00:25:34,340 --> 00:25:34,580 So, how are things going Have you been dating or...? 689 00:25:34,580 --> 00:25:36,820 Have you been dating or...? 690 00:25:36,820 --> 00:25:39,380 I actually have had a few dates with someone recently, 691 00:25:39,380 --> 00:25:42,580 but I'm not going to go into it because it's still early days. 692 00:25:42,580 --> 00:25:45,860 Let's just say I'm still putting myself out there. 693 00:25:45,860 --> 00:25:46,140 Let's just say I'm still putting myself out there. There's still a couple of things missing in life... 694 00:25:46,140 --> 00:25:49,340 There's still a couple of things missing in life... 695 00:25:50,580 --> 00:25:51,860 ..a house 696 00:25:51,860 --> 00:25:53,820 and a woman to settle down with. 697 00:25:53,820 --> 00:25:56,700 It's funny, sometimes we have a picture in our head 698 00:25:56,700 --> 00:26:00,340 of what we think our perfect partner is going to be, 699 00:26:00,340 --> 00:26:02,780 and then we have to change as we grow 700 00:26:02,780 --> 00:26:06,140 to go, "Actually, that picture doesn't exist." 701 00:26:06,140 --> 00:26:10,700 I have watched Mike become way more open 702 00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:12,940 and flexible and adaptive, 703 00:26:12,940 --> 00:26:15,100 and he doesn't... 704 00:26:15,100 --> 00:26:15,340 He still has a list, but it's not and he doesn't... 705 00:26:15,340 --> 00:26:19,620 He still has a list, but it's not the list he originally had. 706 00:26:19,620 --> 00:26:23,180 He's definitely still seeking the love of his life. 707 00:26:23,180 --> 00:26:23,420 He's definitely still seeking Um, he hasn't given up. 708 00:26:23,420 --> 00:26:24,660 Um, he hasn't given up. 709 00:26:24,660 --> 00:26:24,900 What I most desire in a woman is a sharp, confident woman, Um, he hasn't given up. 710 00:26:24,900 --> 00:26:29,220 What I most desire in a woman is a sharp, confident woman, 711 00:26:29,220 --> 00:26:33,260 but also has a lovely heart and comes from a loving family. 712 00:26:33,260 --> 00:26:34,900 Is that so much? 713 00:26:38,300 --> 00:26:40,500 I don't want her to be perfect, 714 00:26:40,500 --> 00:26:43,820 I just want her to be the right person for me. 715 00:26:44,820 --> 00:26:51,220 I'm a one-woman man, but I have no idea who she is or where she is. 716 00:26:52,700 --> 00:26:56,100 If I had my own place, things would be a lot easier. 717 00:26:56,100 --> 00:26:59,260 I'm at an age where I shouldn't be living with Mum and Dad at all. 718 00:26:59,260 --> 00:26:59,500 I'm at an age where I shouldn't be But unfortunately, I have no choice. 719 00:26:59,500 --> 00:27:01,340 But unfortunately, I have no choice. 720 00:27:01,340 --> 00:27:04,260 VANESSA: He'll get his house and he'll get his wife. 721 00:27:04,260 --> 00:27:08,660 And in his mind, he's at the stage where he thinks, "You know what? 722 00:27:08,660 --> 00:27:12,300 "I've got everything else I've wanted. I'm going to get that, too." 723 00:27:14,060 --> 00:27:17,620 BRIANA: I don't think Michael came on the scene 724 00:27:17,620 --> 00:27:20,300 going, "I'm going to change things for neurodivergent people." 725 00:27:20,300 --> 00:27:20,580 I think that he took an opportunity to change it for himself, um, going, "I'm going to change things for neurodivergent people." 726 00:27:20,580 --> 00:27:25,700 I think that he took an opportunity to change it for himself, um, 727 00:27:25,700 --> 00:27:25,980 I think that he took an opportunity to change it for himself, um, which, fantastically, has changed it for neurodiverse people. 728 00:27:25,980 --> 00:27:30,940 which, fantastically, has changed it for neurodiverse people. 729 00:27:30,940 --> 00:27:31,180 which, fantastically, has changed And you do write very quickly. 730 00:27:31,180 --> 00:27:33,700 And you do write very quickly. 731 00:27:33,700 --> 00:27:36,500 The more himself he is, the more it's celebrated. 732 00:27:36,500 --> 00:27:40,900 You just seem to know what others would want to learn more about. 733 00:27:40,900 --> 00:27:44,140 And the conversation is changing around neurodiversity anyway. 734 00:27:44,140 --> 00:27:45,780 And all of a sudden there's more and more people 735 00:27:45,780 --> 00:27:46,020 And all of a sudden who are saying, "I'm neurodiverse." 736 00:27:46,020 --> 00:27:47,340 who are saying, "I'm neurodiverse." 737 00:27:47,340 --> 00:27:50,420 Every workplace should have a space like that. 738 00:27:50,420 --> 00:27:52,940 He kind of accidentally became the change 739 00:27:52,940 --> 00:27:56,180 and is...and it's changing as much for him as it is for anybody else. 740 00:28:00,060 --> 00:28:01,340 VANESSA: Let's dig in, guys. 741 00:28:01,340 --> 00:28:01,580 Chips are coming, but let's dig in VANESSA: Let's dig in, guys. 742 00:28:01,580 --> 00:28:03,820 Chips are coming, but let's dig in while it's hot. 743 00:28:03,820 --> 00:28:05,340 Yeah. Bon appetit. 744 00:28:05,340 --> 00:28:05,580 Yeah. Bon appetit, people. 745 00:28:05,580 --> 00:28:06,780 Bon appetit, people. 746 00:28:06,780 --> 00:28:07,020 10 years ago, if you said to me Bon appetit, people. 747 00:28:07,020 --> 00:28:10,540 10 years ago, if you said to me that Michael was going to be famous 748 00:28:10,540 --> 00:28:10,780 10 years ago, if you said to me and your family's going to be on TV, 749 00:28:10,780 --> 00:28:12,340 and your family's going to be on TV, 750 00:28:12,340 --> 00:28:14,420 I would have said, "Are you kidding me?" 751 00:28:14,420 --> 00:28:17,620 It feels really weird to see you be well known 752 00:28:17,620 --> 00:28:17,860 It feels really weird because I'm protective of you. 753 00:28:17,860 --> 00:28:19,580 because I'm protective of you. 754 00:28:19,580 --> 00:28:19,820 We love that you're so well known because I'm protective of you. 755 00:28:19,820 --> 00:28:22,780 We love that you're so well known because it's what you want. 756 00:28:22,780 --> 00:28:25,700 It's been an amazing journey. This is just the start. 757 00:28:25,700 --> 00:28:27,220 And this is just the start of his journey. 758 00:28:27,220 --> 00:28:30,220 Since you consider yourself a protective sister, 759 00:28:30,220 --> 00:28:30,460 Since you consider yourself what are your thoughts on the idea 760 00:28:30,460 --> 00:28:32,980 what are your thoughts on the idea 761 00:28:32,980 --> 00:28:33,220 of me actually dating someone what are your thoughts on the idea 762 00:28:33,220 --> 00:28:35,140 of me actually dating someone at the moment? 763 00:28:35,140 --> 00:28:38,180 I'm happy about it. I'm glad it's working out. 764 00:28:38,180 --> 00:28:38,420 I'm happy about it. I hope to hear good news. 765 00:28:38,420 --> 00:28:39,980 I hope to hear good news. 766 00:28:39,980 --> 00:28:42,060 There's an 80% chance that there will be. 767 00:28:42,060 --> 00:28:44,420 80? 80? 768 00:28:44,420 --> 00:28:46,340 Do you like her? Yeah, I do. 769 00:28:46,340 --> 00:28:48,020 Romantically? Yep. 770 00:28:48,020 --> 00:28:50,980 In fact, we've actually kissed several times. 771 00:28:50,980 --> 00:28:52,220 OK, well... 772 00:28:52,220 --> 00:28:55,980 So, we had his 30th not long ago. We were at a restaurant. 773 00:28:55,980 --> 00:28:56,220 So, we had his 30th not long ago. Invited his friends, family 774 00:28:56,220 --> 00:28:58,460 Invited his friends, family 775 00:28:58,460 --> 00:29:00,500 and I sat back and I looked 776 00:29:00,500 --> 00:29:07,060 and I said, "OK, this is inclusion and diversity at the table," 777 00:29:07,060 --> 00:29:10,020 because you had neurodiverse 778 00:29:10,020 --> 00:29:12,260 and you had neurotypical people 779 00:29:12,260 --> 00:29:13,740 all coming together. 780 00:29:13,740 --> 00:29:13,980 And I sat back and I said, all coming together. 781 00:29:13,980 --> 00:29:18,300 And I sat back and I said, "Waiter, get me a drink." 782 00:29:20,180 --> 00:29:22,940 Because it was just, for me, 783 00:29:22,940 --> 00:29:28,700 I just said, "Wow, took a bloody long time to get there." 784 00:29:33,780 --> 00:29:35,140 My top favourite 785 00:29:35,140 --> 00:29:37,620 Gilligan's Island characters would be 786 00:29:37,620 --> 00:29:40,020 Gilligan himself and the Skipper. 787 00:29:40,020 --> 00:29:42,860 Mary Ann is like that girl next door kind, 788 00:29:42,860 --> 00:29:46,140 and there's no malice in her heart at all. 789 00:29:46,140 --> 00:29:48,180 And she's absolutely lovely. 790 00:29:48,180 --> 00:29:51,140 Women like her are very scarce these days. 791 00:29:51,140 --> 00:29:53,860 Why are people like her so hard to find? 792 00:29:53,860 --> 00:29:54,100 Captions by Red Bee Media Why are people like her so hard to find? 793 00:29:54,100 --> 00:29:55,300 Captions by Red Bee Media 794 00:29:55,300 --> 00:29:57,180 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation