Not Just One Autism
As a junior at the University of Michigan, I am extremely interested in working with children with disabilities, helping them in any way that I can. Specifically, I am fascinated by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the way that the TV shows and movies tell stories about ASD, and how these representations contrast real people living with this disorder. As defined by the CDC, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There are some typical understandings of ASD as usually manifested in trouble communicating, restricted and repetitive behavior, and social difficulties. ASD is a spectrum, affecting each child in a unique, specific way. The spectrum is commonly categorized into high functioning and low functioning autism with a wide range of behaviors in between.
When it comes to media representations of ASD, males and savants are overrepresented, perpetuating the stereotype that ASD usually looks like an average, awkward male with an underlying superhuman trait struggling to make friends and take part in neurotypical society. A lot of the time, authors and directors use this ASD as a narrative prosthesis, or a literary device, to drive a story and capture an audience. As defined by Mitchel & Snyder, narrative prosthesis is when “Disability marks a character as “unlike” the rest of a fiction’s cast, and once singled out, the character becomes a case of special interest who retains originality to the detriment of all other characteristics”.
Recently, media representations of ASD have become more widespread in books, tv shows, and movies. Some representations are better than others, while some representations spark major issues between the ASD community. Research has been conducted on the development of these media portrayals, one study ultimately concluding that contemporary comedy-dramas cannot fully inform audiences because they are more obsessed with the clinical portrayal of autism as high functioning, socially deficient, emotionally detached, and heterosexual males. Many kinds of media stick to representing mainstream, higher functioning forms of ASD, making the audience less aware that there are tons of other ways that ASD manifests itself. Thus, people are completely blindsided when they see a lower functioning individual with ASD who may be nonverbal or throws intense temper tantrums. Rather than spreading awareness about ASD and highlighting important resources for new diagnoses, coping methods, and support, many portrayals of ASD perpetuate these unrealistic stereotypes.
Let’s explore a few pieces of media together so that you can stay informed while you watch and refer back here as needed. I have hyperlinks to all of my sources, including studies and reviews if you want to check them out. If not, here is my informed opinion!