Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman) tries to explain to his brother that the airlines he is choosing are unsafe because they have had crashes. When Charlie despairs at trying to use Qantas to fly across the UK Raymond gets distressed. The counting toothpicks stuff is more of a screen writer’s fantasy - this screen gives a more representative portrayal of the challenges connected with autism. That said it does not have to be like this: understanding the implications of autism can help people with it live a full and happy life.

Hoffman got an Oscar for his portrayal of Raymond (you can't tell from this clip but I think Cruise actually showed some range for the first time!)