ways than most people. reporter: the film follows jessica and her friends as they get ready for the big night. picking out dresses. do you like it, mom? i felt like a queen, like i was worth something. reporter: and then, there s the dancing. we had a guideline that everyone was able to ask whomever they wanted to, to dance, and that individual would say yes to at least one song. no one was going to be rejected, because it happens so much in other parts of their life. so when people watch, what do you want them to think? what do you want them to know? we want them to understand that we re more like you than we are different. they make the world a better place, and they add spices to your spice rack that you can t ever imagine knowing unless you know someone. i wish you had been looking at jessica s face when you said that. really? yeah, it s they re my favorite people in the whole world. they say what they mean and they mean what they say.
no. reporter: spring prom say right of passage that makes most teenagers nervous. in my mind, i ll screw up a lot, or it s just not know what to say. reporter: but it s especially challenging for these kids in columbus, ohio. they re all on the autism spectrum. a disorder that impairs their ability to communicate and interact. have you asked anybody? no. do you plan on asking anybody? well, i guess. reporter: but rather than hide in the shadows, their counsellor, dr. emilio invites them to attend their first ever spring formal. it requires them to understand a lot of social cues. like life. it s complicated. y jessica sullivan is one of the stars. high functioning autism. i ve had this all my life. i m not sick. i m just challenged in different