Love on the Spectrum’s Connor Tomlinson Shares Lessons on Autism, Relationships and Growth
Photo by by Alex Sonfield ’25.
Tomlinson and his mother discuss autism, independence and personal growth at Dickinson’s annual Poitras-Gleim Lecture
by Alex Sonfield ’25
Connor Tomlinson, known for his appearances on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, and his mother, Lise Menard Smith, connected with the Dickinson community during the Poitras-Gleim lecture. Hosted by the Dickinson Student Senate on Oct. 22, the event explored mental health, autism, relationships and personal growth through candid stories, humor and audience questions.
Throughout the lecture, Tomlinson reflected on his journey toward greater independence, including the challenges of navigating romantic relationships and unfamiliar social situations. He shared a story about experiencing a panic attack during a speed-dating event, explaining how he drew inspiration from Rocky Balboa to find the courage to return. He also discussed his fascination with The Lord of the Rings, relating Aragorn’s journey to his own process of learning, adapting and growing into his potential.
Photo by Alex Sonfield ’25.
Smith spoke about the importance of family support in helping Tomlinson build confidence and advocate for himself. She described how he has grown more comfortable asking for help when he feels overwhelmed, emphasizing that personal growth often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Tomlinson encouraged audience members to listen to autistic and neurodivergent loved ones, noting that support does not always mean having the right answer, but rather making an effort to understand another person’s perspective.
The Q&A session invited students to share personal experiences and ask questions about autism, mental health and finding community. Tomlinson encouraged those who experience bullying or stigma to recognize their own worth, saying, “You’re unique. You matter. No one’s life is worthless.” Smith added that finding even one or two trusted friends can make a meaningful difference. The pair also discussed how reality television can leave out everyday aspects of autistic life, including difficult emotions and behaviors that help individuals regulate themselves.
“Listening to Connor Tomlinson speak was an incredibly inspiring experience,” said Barbara Lehman ’28 (mathematics). “What stood out to me most was his ability to find joy and positivity in life, even when things don’t necessarily go as planned. His perspective was a beautiful reminder that there is always something worth celebrating, even in life’s smallest moments.”
Lehman also reflected on the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, taking challenges as opportunities to learn and approaching the future with optimism and curiosity. She said Tomlinson’s enthusiasm reminded her that people do not need to have everything figured out to appreciate where they are in life.
Benjamin Cook ’28 (environmental science and health studies) said Tomlinson’s remarks encouraged him to reconsider how he approaches challenges and unfamiliar situations. “ ‘What I don’t know, I can learn’ really made me consider how I approach the unknown and challenges in my own life,” Cook said.
Photo by by Alex Sonfield ’25.
The annual Poitras-Gleim Lecture, established through a gift from Ted and Kay Gleim Poitras ’53, provides a forum for exploring ideas across disciplines and fostering meaningful dialogue within the Dickinson community. Organized by the Student Senate Academics Committee, the lecture series encourages campus discussion of academic, social and political issues through lectures, seminars and debates. Previous speakers have included astronaut, engineer and physician Mae Jemison; author Piper Kerman; screenwriter Edward Ricourt ’95; television personality Steve Burns, known for Blue’s Clues; therapist, broadcaster and filmmaker Dr. Ruth Westheimer; and author Tomi Adeyemi.
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Published October 23, 2026