Television and film play crucial roles in shaping public perceptions and understanding of autism. Over the last two decades, autism has gained greater visibility in TV shows and movies. However, it's often portrayed through tropes that limit the depth and authenticity of autistic characters. For instance, male characters are depicted as the ‘insufferable genius’, while females are reduced to the clichéd ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ whose primary role is to inspire and transform the life of a main protagonist. Fortunately, more modern films are breaking away from these stereotypes and offering more authentic representations of autistic characters.
For example, in ‘I Used to Be Famous’[1.], an autistic drummer forges a friendship with a former boy band musician who is rediscovering himself and his career. These portrayals not only provide more nuanced depictions but also offer valuable insights into the diverse experiences of autistic individuals.
As part of writing my book, Autism: Unfiltered, I was eager to delve into this topic as part of the ongoing journey to create a more inclusive world. Few influences are as pivotal as the media in all its forms, particularly television and film. There is a wealth of shows that could be highlighted, many of which are listed on a dedicated Wikipedia page. Autism in popular culture[2].
Let’s examine two aspects of autism in TV and Film, first the direct introduction of an autistic character and after the ‘headcanon’ - which refers to a fan's personal interpretation or belief about certain aspects of a fictional universe that is not explicitly stated in the original source material.
Rain Man, the classic 1988 film, is credited with bringing autism to the forefront of public consciousness. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, the story follows two brothers, Charlie Babbitt and Raymond Babbitt. Charlie, a self-centred and ambitious car dealer, discovers upon his father's death that he has an older brother, Raymond, whom he was previously unaware of. Raymond is an autistic savant with exceptional memory and calculation abilities. Charlie learns that his father has left the bulk of his estate to Raymond, prompting Charlie to take custody of Raymond in an attempt to gain control of the inheritance. Initially viewing Raymond as a burden and obstacle to his goals, Charlie's perspective shifts as they embark on a cross-country journey together. Through their experiences, Charlie begins to appreciate Raymond's unique qualities, and their relationship deepens. Along the way, Charlie learns valuable lessons about love, acceptance, and the true meaning of family.
The depiction of Raymond Babbitt returning to the mental institution at the end of Rain Man has been a topic of discussion and debate among audiences and autism advocates. Some have raised concerns about the portrayal reinforcing negative stereotypes about autistic individuals or intellectual disabilities being institutionalised or unable to live independently. Critics argue that the film's ending may perpetuate misconceptions about the capabilities and potential of autistic individuals. Raymond's return to the institution could be interpreted as suggesting that his skills and growth throughout the film ultimately do not lead to greater independence or inclusion into society. However, it's important to consider the context of the film's release in 1988, when societal attitudes towards autism were different compared to today.
Good Doctor is a television drama series that follows the life of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon who is autistic and a savant, as he navigates his professional and personal life at the prestigious San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. Despite facing scepticism and prejudice from his colleagues, Dr. Murphy's exceptional medical skills and unique perspective on patient care lead him to solve complex medical cases.
Opinions vary regarding the authenticity of the main character in "The Good Doctor." Some feel that rather than reflecting the typical 'spiky' profile of autism, the character exhibits all traits amplified to the maximum. This sometimes leads to situations in the hospital environment where his savantism compensates for challenges, making them more acceptable. While I enjoy watching the show and can relate to some aspects, there are two points that I find difficult to reconcile. Firstly, the portrayal of difficulty in making eye contact seems exaggerated and erratic. While it can be uncomfortable for an autistic person to maintain eye contact, it's not impossible, and the portrayal feels too extreme. Secondly, the character's lack of learned social scripting to navigate difficult situations is evident. In one episode, Dr. Murphy is asked to show empathy but ends up being overly blunt in his response to a patient's prognosis saying: “I think we should go someplace quiet because sometimes people get very upset when they find out that they probably only have less than a year to live.”. This portrayal lacks nuance and fails to demonstrate an understanding of how words might be received. It's clear that this is merely a plot device to allow Dr. Murphy to redeem himself later in the episode. By the way there is an entire paper debating autism portrayal within the Good Doctor[5.].
Atypical is a television series that revolves around the life of Sam Gardner, a high school student who is on the autism spectrum. The show explores Sam's journey to gain more independence, navigate relationships, and pursue his interests, all while dealing with the challenges and joys of being neurodivergent. The series also delves into the lives of Sam's family members, including his parents, sister, and therapist, offering a multifaceted portrayal of how autism impacts individuals and their loved ones. This programme is similar to The Good Doctor in making the main character a collection of stereotypes; thankfully although Sam is intelligent he falls short of being a savant. Nevertheless, there are moments where the writers seem to confuse autism with simply being plain rude.
Love on the Spectrum is a documentary series that follows the romantic journeys of young adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate the challenges of dating and relationships. The show provides an intimate look into their lives, exploring their experiences, emotions, and unique perspectives on love and connection. It highlights the diversity of autistic individuals and challenges stereotypes while celebrating the universal desire for companionship and acceptance.
The best summation of this programme is the review: ‘Love on the Spectrum’ is kind, but unrepresentative’ by Sarah Luterman[8.]:
“The show is riddled with bad advice and is frequently infantilizing.
There are more interviews with parents than with the people the show is ostensibly about. The musical cues would be more appropriate for a documentary about clumsy baby giraffes than for a reality series about adult humans. In one particularly galling moment, the production staff ask Sharnae and Jimmy, an autistic couple who are moving in together, if they have “consummated their relationship” — to which they sort of laugh and confirm that they have. They are a couple in their 20s. They are moving in together. They sleep in the same bed. For any readers in doubt, I can assure you: Autistic people have sex, just like anybody else. “
As mentioned in an early section, my preference is for shows like the UK Channel 4’s ‘First Dates’ which captures the authenticity and unpredictability of first dates, featuring a diverse range of participants including atypicals. It showcases the nervousness, excitement, and awkward moments that accompany them. Throughout the date, the couples share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, providing insight into their personalities and backgrounds. Simple.
The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom that revolves around the lives of four socially awkward but highly intelligent friends: physicists Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper, aerospace engineer Howard Wolowitz, and astrophysicist Rajesh Koothrappali. The central characters find themselves in humorous and awkward situations, whether it's dealing with their relationships with women, their careers in academia, or their shared interests in science fiction, comic books, and video games. The show's humour derives from their nerdy obsessions, intellectual banter, and their attempts to fit into mainstream society despite their eccentricities.
Discussions surrounding Sheldon's character on "The Big Bang Theory" and the portrayal of autism in the media have been ongoing topics of debate. Many viewers have pointed out the similarities between Sheldon's behaviour and traits commonly associated with autism, such as his social difficulties, adherence to routines, and intense focus on specific interests. They argue that the producers' refusal to explicitly label Sheldon as autistic and their use of his quirks for comedic purposes could perpetuate stereotypes about autism and trivialise the challenges faced by autistic individuals. Some believe that by acknowledging Sheldon's autism, the show could have provided more representation and understanding of neurodivergence. However, the creators and producers of the show have maintained that Sheldon's character was not intended to represent autism and that his behaviour is simply meant to be a comedic exaggeration of certain personality traits. They have emphasised that the show is a work of fiction and not meant to accurately portray real-life individuals or conditions. This brings the argument back to the term ‘headcanon’ where fans identify with a character not officially identified as autistic; Sheldon sits in the two worlds where it feels the creators have created an autistic character but choose not to officially identify him as previously rationalised.
However you look at the character I think it is good that the shows does not pathologise Sheldon and he is a allowed to be himself; perhaps the negative is he is another example of combining autism with savant syndrome; especially as it’s worth noting that less than 1 in 10 autistic people also have this characteristic[10].
Wednesday is a television series that revolves around the character Wednesday from the Addams Family franchise. In this series, Wednesday attempts to solve a murder mystery at her new school, Nevermore Academy. Wednesday discovers she has inherited her mother's psychic abilities, which she uses to solve the mystery while navigating the challenges of school life where her cold, emotionless personality and her defiant nature make it difficult for her to connect with her schoolmates. The series blends elements of coming-of-age storytelling, supernatural themes, comedy, and horror, creating a unique and intriguing premise.
Our first look at a popular ‘headcanon’ in popular media, albeit controversial, in a similar way to ‘American Psycho’, mixing sociopathy with autism. I can relate a lot to the character of Wednesday who displays her autistic traits in a relatable and quirky way from the strict routine writing her novel, to hypersensitivity to colour and the need for neutrality, to ‘we don’t hug’ and her social bluntness with the brevity of her speech and tonality. Evelyn Jenkin’s captures the essence in her article[12]:
“In showing all this, Wednesday models healthy neurodivergent-neurotypical relationships, perhaps influencing how neurotypical viewers will interact with the neurodivergent people in their lives — mainly with kindness, acceptance, and unconditional faith in their proficiencies. Although, hopefully, no one finds us autistics nearly as spooky as they do Wednesday Addams.”
A side discussion, let’s also explore Enid Sinclair, Wednesday’s room mate and eventual best friend. Examining the article: ‘Wednesday’s Child is Full of Neurodiversity’ by Ariadne Schulz which proposes that Enid exhibits several traits commonly associated with ADHD throughout the depiction:
Hyperactivity: Enid is constantly in motion, fidgeting, and engaging in physical activities. This is seen through her restless behaviour and frequent movements.
Impulsivity: She often acts on immediate impulses without fully considering the consequences. This impulsivity can be observed in her decisions and interactions with others.
Emotional volatility: Enid experiences intense and fluctuating emotions, sometimes rapidly shifting from one emotion to another. This emotional variability is a characteristic often linked with ADHD.
Forgetfulness: Enid occasionally forgets important items or details, which can disrupt her daily life and interactions. This forgetfulness is not deliberate but can lead to complications, such as misunderstandings with others.
Social impulsivity: She displays a tendency to trust others quickly and openly, even when it may not be wise to do so. This social impulsivity is reflected in her interactions and relationships with different characters.
Difficulty with sustained attention: Enid may struggle with maintaining focus on tasks or conversations for extended periods, often becoming distracted or moving on to new activities quickly.
Sensory sensitivity: While not exclusive to ADHD, Enid's sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as her colourful surroundings and possibly other sensory preferences or aversions, aligns with neurodiverse traits often associated with ADHD individuals.
These traits collectively contribute to Enid's portrayal as a character with ADHD characteristics, adding depth to her personality and interactions within the storyline - a useful comparison to the overlaps with autistic traits.
Wylan Van Eck is a character from the fantasy duology "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo and the TV show ‘Shadow and Bone’. He is one of the main protagonists in the series. Wylan comes from a wealthy background but is estranged from his father, Jan Van Eck, due to conflicts related to his dyslexia and his interest in music, which his father disapproves of. Quoting from a fan on Tumblr[14]:
He stims, he info-dumps about his special interests, he has difficulty socialising, he struggles to make eye contact, he doesn't know how to express his feelings vocally, he bounces when he walks, he carries his comfort bag and clutches onto its handles when he's nervous, he has sensory issues and is shown to cover his ears, he has bad posture and he struggles to read other people's emotions but feels empathy so deeply.
‘Headcanons’ provide fans with the opportunity to explore autistic characters in more nuanced and diverse ways than what might be presented in mainstream media. This is especially significant given that autism is often depicted as an internal struggle, challenging to translate to the visual medium of TV and film. Other potential candidates that appear are Beth Harmon in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’, Eddie Munson from ‘Stranger Things’, Zafereal form ‘Good Omens’, Drax ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, Luna Lovegood from ‘Harry Potter’ and my favourite Geralt of Rivia from ‘The Witcher’. By allowing fans to interpret characters based on their own experiences and perspectives, they can add complexity and depth to portrayals, moving beyond stereotypes. They enable discussions about intersectionality and the diverse experiences of autistic individuals, fostering empathy and understanding within larger communities. Collaborating with fans, autism advocates and autistic actors by incorporating their insights can help creators develop more authentic and respectful representations of autism in TV shows and other media, bridging the gap between real-world interpretations and mainstream portrayals.
Conclusion
Television and film have immense power to educate the public about the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their families. Just important as the characters is to capture the social accommodations and support systems that can improve their quality of life. By highlighting these issues, the media can foster empathy and support within society, challenging misconceptions and stereotypes that have long been associated with autism. When done thoughtfully, these portrayals can pave the way for a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, emphasising the strengths, capabilities, and humanity of autistic individuals.
Moreover, as media platforms increasingly strive for more inclusive representation, they hold the potential to influence not just public opinion but also public policy. By depicting a broader range of autistic experiences—beyond the stereotypical and often limiting narratives—the media can inspire real-world changes in how society approaches neurodiversity, including in areas like education, healthcare, and employment. For previous examples you only need to look at the wealth of medical drama's which has increased the number of organ donors around the world[15].
Additionally, television programs and movies can serve as platforms for advocacy and activism on behalf of the autistic community. By raising awareness of issues such as accessibility, inclusion, and neurodivergent acceptance, the media can spark social change and influence policy reform. This also means providing opportunities for autistic actors, writers, and consultants to be involved in the creative process, ensuring that portrayals are not only authentic but also resonate with those they represent.
Finally, as audiences become more discerning and engaged, the rise of fan interpretations, or "headcanons," offers a unique avenue for exploring and identifying with autistic characters, even when these traits are not explicitly acknowledged by creators. This phenomenon underscores the importance of diverse and complex representations, allowing fans to see themselves reflected in the media they consume, fostering a sense of belonging and validation.
In a world where media is a powerful tool for shaping societal values, it is crucial that the stories we tell are inclusive, accurate, and respectful of the diverse experiences within the autistic community. As creators continue to push the boundaries of representation, the hope is that the media will not only entertain but also educate, advocate, and ultimately contribute to a more understanding and inclusive society for all.
References
I used to be famous. 2022. Netflix. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15807910/
Rain Man. 1988. United Artists. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095953/
The Good Doctor. 2017-2024. ABC. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6470478/
Stark, Ian Scott. REPRESENTATIONS OF AUTISM IN POPULAR MEDIA: RHETORICAL DISABILITY IN THE GOOD DOCTOR. Faculty of the College of Graduate Studies and Research, Angelo State University. 2020.
Atypical. 2017-2021. Netflix. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6315640/
Love on the Spectrum. 2019-2021. Netflix. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11904786/
Luterman, Sara. Review: ‘Love on the Spectrum’ is kind, but unrepresentative. https://www.spectrumnews.org/. 2020.
The Big Bang Theory. 2007-2019. CBS. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0898266/
Treffert DA. The savant syndrome: an extraordinary condition. A synopsis: past, present, future. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2009 May 27;364(1522):1351-7. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0326. PMID: 19528017; PMCID: PMC2677584.
Wednesday. 2022-. Netflix. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13443470/
Jenkins, Evelyn. Netflix’s Wednesday Addams Probably Meets the Diagnostic Criteria for Autism. Here's Why That’s So Important. Women’s Media Centre. 2023.
Shadow and Bone. 2021-2023. Netfix. Image from imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2403776
https://www.tumblr.com/asexualenjolras/712724070092980224/wylan-van-eck-isnt-canonically-autistic-so-you?
The Drama of Medicine: How Shows Like "ER" Influence and Are Influenced by Public Health. Christine Cupaiuolo. April 10, 2009.
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