In a recent episode of Waymo’s Driven series, which premiered on April 10, 2025, Connor Tomlinson, renowned for his appearance on Love on the Spectrum, shared his insights on autism, familial bonds, and his journey. Taking a ride in a cutting-edge, fully autonomous Waymo vehicle alongside host Andrew Freund, Tomlinson opened up about his life beyond the show and his evolving perspective on autism.
Throughout their engaging dialogue, Tomlinson emphasized the significance of awareness and acceptance, reflecting on the impact autism has had on his life and aspirations, as well as the crucial support system provided by his family.
Understanding Autism: Connor Tomlinson’s Perspective
Challenging Misconceptions about Autism
During his conversation with Freund, Tomlinson addressed one prevalent misconception: the belief that autism is synonymous with a mental illness or disability. He articulated:
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that autism… is a form of mental illness or a disability.”
He elaborated on how many people overlook the fact that autism represents a variation in brain wiring:
“The wiring in their brains are different, sort of bypasses things, allowing us to find creative solutions.”
Tomlinson’s statements underscore the importance of recognizing autism as a neurological difference rather than a deficiency. He praised individuals on the autism spectrum for their unique strengths and talents, insisting that autism enables people to navigate the world in their own distinctive ways, highlighting that it should be viewed as a variation and not as a restriction.
The Importance of Family Support
Tomlinson candidly discussed the robust support network provided by his family. When Freund probed whether receiving relationship advice from family felt awkward, Tomlinson replied:
“No, not really. We’re a very close-knit family; we do everything together.”
This familial bond, according to Tomlinson, is vital to his personal development. He pointed out that their mutual trust and shared experiences strengthen their connections, resulting in credible advice and support. His journey on Love on the Spectrum encouraged him to step outside of his comfort zone, fostering growth in social interactions and opening doors to new opportunities.
Tomlinson’s Aspirations and the Influence of Love on the Spectrum
As the conversation shifted to future aspirations, Tomlinson expressed a heartfelt desire for his experience on Love on the Spectrum to serve as a source of inspiration. He stated:
“I just hope, my only hope is that it inspires and motivates people to understand and accept people with autism.”
Tomlinson articulated his commitment to promoting awareness and acceptance of autism, positioning the show as not just a personal opportunity for growth, but also as a platform to enhance societal understanding. Asked about his inspirations, he mentioned a variety of sources, including fantasy literature and video games:
“Fantasy books, movies, video games, and of course my sword collection.”
This spectrum of interests reflects a well-rounded identity, showcasing how diverse experiences contribute to his perspective on life.
For those interested in exploring Tomlinson’s story further, Love on the Spectrum is available for streaming on Netflix at any time.