My brother and I had a lot of freedom growing up, and thankfully, we both turned out OK.

Thirteen' was really hard on my family. I wrote this movie about them and their flaws and imperfections and what it was like growing up. It was from one kid's perspective and not a well rounded one. You get older, and it's like, 'How dare I portray my father as being a totally vacant, careless schmuck?'

I think for women especially, writing and creating your own role, producing, directing - having some control over what you do is really important. We can pave the way for other women to send what messages they want sent.

I guess the older I get, the more understanding and forgiving I've become.

It's like my parents' musical tastes are the mother and father of my music. It's their fault for making me so emotional and in tune with my emotions!

The most important thing in the world is family and love.

Relatively many autists are first-born children. There is also a pretty widespread conviction that the parents of autists are somehow different - for instance, many of them are very serious people or people who are themselves under some sort of strain.

I always take a cashmere blanket, and I have pictures of my family in my passport holder.