When the TV series Everything’s Gonna Be Okay debuted in 2020, Felicity House members were thrilled to see autistic actors portraying autistic characters on screen. The show sparked ongoing conversations about neurodiverse representation in Hollywood. Fast-forward to 2026, Felicity House had the pleasure of hosting a webinar with actress Lillian Carrier, a cast member of Everything’s Gonna Be Okay and now a leading actress in the film Horsegirls, which was released earlier this year. Lillian’s sister and Autism Sensitivity Coordinator, Chloe Estelle, joined Felicity House for a conversation on the behind-the-scenes process of authentic casting, navigating industry ableism, and how small, practical accommodations can create safer, more inclusive film sets.

Lillian opened by describing how she initially used theater to build social skills before landing a role in Everything’s Gonna Be Okay. Emphasizing the need for authentic screen representation for autistic people, she talked about how Everything’s Gonna Be Okay drew directly from her personal experiences to shape her character. The show also made history by casting her service dog, Luke—the first real-life service dog to be cast as a service dog on TV. Reflecting on how theater helped her with social cues, Lillian said:

“That’s where I was like, ‘Oh, I can ask all of these questions, and no one judges me… I learned [about] natural facial expressions and body language that people could understand and communicate with… [and] a place that I felt more accepted than the rest of the world. I was able to make friends easier.”

She also talked about starring in Horsegirls, a movie about an autistic woman navigating adulthood while her mother faces cancer. Lillian found this experience to be particularly inclusive and appreciated how the production trusted her abilities by asking her to perform demanding stunts like wirework and bike riding, while still respecting her sensory limits.

Chloe’s portion of the event was marked by her experience working behind the scenes as an Autism Sensitivity Coordinator. Having advocated for Lillian since her early acting days, Chloe shared how small, practical adjustments—such as sensory-conscious wardrobe tweaks, dietary substitutions, and set-wide access to fidgets at craft services—can transform a production and prevent overstimulation. Describing her job, Chloe said:

“You need me to make sure everything is authentic and that the needs of your actors are handled without friction.”

Throughout the webinar, both speakers highlighted self-advocacy and community support in film. They also discussed the importance of deciding whether to share a public diagnosis and offered practical tips for beginner artists, such as building a portfolio, finding mentors, and connecting with local organizations.

One webinar viewer shared, “I really appreciated Lillian’s acknowledgment that the ability to disclose is technically a privilege… for many autistic people, disclosure is not an option, in the sense that people can tell just by looking at you.” Another shared, “For some reason I always thought of on-set sensory needs as ‘it’s too loud/bright.’ Costuming and eating scenes somehow never occurred to me. I love that it was touched upon!”

Felicity House thanks Lillian and Chloe for sharing their time, insights, and experiences. Continuing these conversations helps raise awareness, validate lived experiences, and build a more inclusive space for neurodivergent talent in the arts.

If you were unable to attend, a recording of the webinar can be found below:

SPEAKER BIOS

Lillian Carrier

Lillian Carrier is an autistic actor who stars as Margarita in Horsegirls, a story about a 22-year-old autistic woman who joins a hobby horse group while her mother has cancer.

Her breakout role was Drea in Everything’s Gonna Be Okay, a role written for her where she brought never-before-seen disabled queer representation to the screen alongside her then-service dog, Luke, who was the first-ever service dog to be cast as a service dog.

She has also made appearances in shows such as NCIS: New Orleans and As We See It, and has done autism consulting on scripts. Currently, she works at Spectrum Laboratory, helping to create and push for more opportunities for neurodivergent and autistic artists.

Chloe Estelle

Chloe’s credits include:

• Serving as Autism/Disability Sensitivity Coordinator for Lillian Carrier on the set of Horsegirls and Carsen Warner for Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.
• Serving as an Autism Mentor at NeuroAffirm Academy and an Entertainment Coach at Spectrum Laboratories.
• Being a Contributing Writer and Model on the cover of Autism, Family, and You.
• Appearing in the short film Exposed: The Photography of Jack Grisham.
• Filming Gary Golding’s audition for Naked and Afraid.
• Attending Woodbury University, Sarah Lawrence College, and the Inside Out Sensory Certificate Program.