Portrayals of autism in television & media

Author: Maggie Johnson

During our lab meeting, we examined the portrayal of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in media and how it affects both the autistic community and broader societal perceptions, with the foundation of our discussion on Theodoto Ressa’s article titled Histrionics of Autism in the Media and the Dangers of False Balance and False Identity on Neurotypical Viewers. 
We started by discussing the shows mentioned in an article about autistic representation. One member admitted to having only watched clips of The Good Doctor but mentioned hearing negative feedback. They noted that the show oversimplifies autism, portraying the main character in a way that is overly dramatized, which detracts from its authenticity. Others agreed, highlighting that the writing felt more like a soap opera, and this sensationalization worsened the portrayal of an autistic character.
On the other hand, another member expressed they had watched Love on the Spectrum, which was not mentioned in the article. They felt the show did a wonderful job breaking down stigmas by including therapist-informed conversations, but sometimes used comedic stylistic approaches that detracted from genuine challenges, uncomfortably infantilizing the cast.Another member shared their experience with Atypical. They enjoyed the show but acknowledged that it did not feature autistic actors, which detracts from its credibility despite tackling important themes surrounding autism. It was seen as a step forward, even though it missed the opportunity to involve individuals from the autistic community in the actual cast. We delved into the question of whether neurotypical actors can accurately portray autistic individuals, which opened a broader conversation about casting neurotypical actors for neurodivergent roles without proper consultation. One member brought up House MD, pointing out an example of a female character with ASD, which was portrayed tastefully and without much sensationalism, contrasting it with more problematic examples like The Good Doctor.
This led to a reflection on how other media does not provide the same level of courtesy by casting individuals who understand the conditions they portray. Another team member noted that even if a show’s writing is not perfect, casting actors with lived experiences can still bring a layer of authenticity that would otherwise be missing. We agreed that there is a fine line between gaining a greater understanding and not capturing the nuance required. One of us pointed out that modern media tends to be rushed, often losing nuance in favor of fast production timelines, which negatively affects the accuracy of representations.
We also explored the binary framing of neurotypical (NT) versus neurodivergent (ND) experiences and how that affects public understanding of neurodiversity. One of us remarked that the media often presents ASD in black-and-white terms—you either have it or you do not—without recognizing the full spectrum of traits and experiences that can go with autism. Another member pointed out that TikTok and other social media platforms are worsening this issue by promoting singular narratives about autism, reinforcing stereotypes rather than promoting a spectrum-based understanding of ASD. This led to a broader discussion on the polarization of neurodiverse representations and how these extreme portrayals make it difficult for audiences to see the more "in-between" experiences that are just as valuable in understanding neurodivergent identities.
Toward the end of our discussion, we explored what “success” looks like for neurodivergent individuals in media. One of us expressed a desire to see portrayals of autistic adults who are thriving, who have accommodations, and who are self-aware, without autism framed as a hurdle they must overcome. However, another member cautioned that we should be careful about defining success, emphasizing that it should not always be measured by neurotypical standards. Instead, success should be individualized, focusing on small victories and lived experiences. 
In conclusion, we agree that media representation is crucial in shaping societal beliefs of autism. There is still much more work to ensure these portrayals are diverse, correct, and respectful. The portrayal of autism as a single, narrow experience does a disservice to the community, and there is a need for more nuanced, spectrum-based representations that go beyond the current tropes of savant syndrome and overcoming struggles. We also acknowledged the reciprocal relationship between media and society, where media both reflects and influences societal norms. If the media continues to rush out content without consulting the communities they are portraying, we risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and missing the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity.