I don't suppose Rainman is any more a convincing research tool for autism than Mary Poppins is a research tool for the Suffragette movement or the banking system.
I think it is what it is - an entertainment, some iota of fact within (supposedly based on a true story, but exaggerated). It was not meant to be a documentary and should not be viewed as such.
However, there are always those who will view such a film and think the contents are a true reflection. There are also those who watch Coronation Street or East Enders and think them as true to life of working classes in the North or London.
What I think causes the main problem with having people think Rainman is 'real' Autism is that there is a lack of serious documentary for the masses as to what autism really is about. And until there is, Rainman will always be how many view autism.
