Why I Loved Wild Robot: A Neurodivergent Take on a Heartfelt Story

As a licensed psychologist and a neurodivergent individual, Wild Robot grabbed me by the heart and didn’t let go. I’m not exaggerating when I say this movie felt like it was made for people like me—people who have spent their lives trying to fit into a world that doesn’t always make room for us. From the quirky, rule-bound robot Roz to Brightbill, the little goose trying desperately to find his place, this story hit home in a way I wasn’t expecting.

✨ Here’s why it resonated with me—and why you might find it just as powerful.

🤖 Roz: A Robot Trying to Fit In (Been There!)

Let’s talk about Roz first. From the start, Roz is rigid, rule-bound, and logical—reminding me so much of how I often operated as a kid (and, let’s be honest, sometimes still do). Roz is programmed to follow rules, and when thrust into an unfamiliar world where things don’t always make sense, she does what many neurodivergent folks do: she seeks out knowledge. She reads. She observes. She asks for advice.

Watching Roz struggle to figure out how to raise Brightbill was equal parts heartwarming and relatable. There’s no manual for raising kids—trust me, I’ve looked. But seeing Roz’s determination reminded me of my own journey as a mom.

📚 I’ve read the books.

🎓 I’ve taken the classes.

🧠 Heck, I even earned a doctorate to try to understand human behavior better.

And yet, no matter how much I learn, there are still moments when I feel like I’m just guessing—and hoping I’m doing enough.

🦢 Brightbill’s Struggle: The Pain of Not Belonging

Then there’s Brightbill. Oh, my heart. 💔 That little guy tries so hard to fit in, but no matter what he does, he’s bullied and excluded. Watching his story unfold reminded me of my own childhood—feeling like I didn’t belong, no matter how much I tried to act like everyone else.

🔗 Relatable moments for neurodivergent folks:

• People telling me I “sounded like a robot.”

• Being labeled “too much” because I was so by-the-book.

• Trying to learn the “right” way to be—but never quite fitting in.

What struck me most was how Brightbill’s journey mirrored Roz’s. Both of them are just trying to belong in a world that keeps pushing them to the edges.

💪 But here’s the beauty: Despite the bullying and setbacks, Brightbill finds his strength. He learns to fly—literally and figuratively. That resilience is something I’ve had to tap into throughout my life, and it’s something I try to teach my kids and clients every day.

💡 Parenting While Neurodivergent: No Manual, No Easy Answers

As a mother and a neurodivergent individual, Wild Robot hit me right in the feels. Like Roz, I’ve often felt like I was stumbling through parenting without a guidebook.

👩‍👧‍👦 Parenting six kids—all neurodivergent—has been:

• The most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

• The most challenging thing I’ve ever done.

And let me tell you, kids don’t hold back.

They’ve asked me point-blank:

“Why aren’t you as warm and loving as other moms? Why are you so robotic?”

Ouch, right? 🫠

The thing is, they’re not wrong. I’ve struggled to express emotions in ways that feel natural to me but also connect with them. I’ve taken parenting classes, read every book I could get my hands on, and even turned to mindfulness and meditation to better connect with my emotions.

🧘‍♀️ Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Being neurodivergent isn’t a parenting flaw.

• Like Roz, I’m doing my best—figuring it out one day at a time.

• Letting go and empowering my kids (like Roz did for Brightbill) is one of the hardest but most rewarding things I can do.

🌍 The Beauty of Community: Stronger Together

Another moving aspect of Wild Robot is its portrayal of survival and connection. Roz and the other animals band together to protect and support each other.

This theme of collective care reminded me so much of my own experiences growing up as a Mexican-American in poverty. When survival was on the line—whether it was an earthquake or just making it through another tough month—there were no divisions. It didn’t matter if someone was neurodivergent or spoke a different language. What mattered was that we had each other. 🤝

💬 Message for today:

We need each other. Whether it’s family, friends, or even strangers, we’re stronger together. And Wild Robot does such a beautiful job of showing how much we can accomplish when we lift each other up. At its core, Wild Robot is a story about love, resilience, and finding strength in who you are—even when the world doesn’t make it easy.

🔑 Key takeaways for neurodivergent individuals and parents:

• You’re not alone. 🌈

• Doing your best—even when it feels like you’re falling short—is more than enough.

• Finding your community, like Roz and Brightbill, can make all the difference.

This isn’t just a movie for kids—it’s for anyone who’s ever felt out of place, struggled to connect, or wondered if they’re enough.

🎥 Final Thoughts: Watch This Movie

So if you’re looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe see yourself a little differently, watch Wild Robot.

And if you’re parenting while neurodivergent—or just navigating life while neurodivergent—know this: you’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough.

✨ Now go enjoy this incredible movie!

When it’s over, take a moment to reflect on its lessons—about love, connection, and the beauty of being different.

I promise, it’s worth it.

Did you love Wild Robot too? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💬