 Sigourney Weaver (qv) prepared for her role as Linda, by spending  time with a high functioning autistic woman from England called Ros  Blackburn. Although not a direct portrayal of Ros (who in real life  cannot live independently and cannot read or write), many of Ross  mannerisms and characteristics are very apparent in Linda, likewise  the passion for trampolining and things sparkly. Ros Blackburn gives  public talks on what it is like to experience life as a person with  autism.