Autism representation in Film & TV - change needed?

I would like to see more autistic women in storylines, as I feel I have never seen anyone who is like me in film or TV.

Also, I would also like to see more shows and films that demonstrate how autism it is a spectrum, as I feel that I tend to see the same representations. For example, there are a lot of shows and films with high functioning, highly intelligent characters with autism (Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, Sam in Atypical, etc.) I feel like there is little representation of autistic people outside of these scopes, and that this doesn’t help to educate people in society, as they may not know much more than they see on screen. I feel that if there was more representation of the spectrum it would help everyone to have a better grasp on understanding autism, and help us to live in a more accepting society. Just my take on things and hope this helps! 

MoritzV said:

What would you wish for what they either focus on or what should they stop portraying in terms of autism in films/TV?

I'm interested in what you think the difference is. I have come across this before and don't understand. I asked my partner if he refers to himself as diabetic or "has diabetes". 

I'm not having a pop. I just think people should refer to themselves as they wish. I don't like referring to myself as either autistic or with autism.  I'm a person who's brain works differently from the general population. 

I agree with the being autistic vs having autism thing. I'm studying nursing at the moment and it boils my urine when I'm criticised for saying autistic person over person with autism. Had a rant with my access to work support worker about this exact thing today, to me when someone says I have something it's like they expect me to one day not have it or there's a perception that I could have less of it when it's not something I possess. It just really frustrates me. 

We are known precisely for our social awkwardness - so why would anyone put themselves up for ridicule?      You only have to see the "Undateables" and how it was really just a Victorian freak-show wrapped in a fake 'caring' facade.

Also, if someone really was 'autistic enough' to be spotted as autistic by the general viewing public, would you really consider them to be vulnerable and being manipulated and exploited by being put in front of a camera?      I do.

I think it's very telling that being a niche, specialist industry that is jammed full of aspies, that they distrust the people in control so much that they all prefer to stay hidden in background positions doing their magic.

I agree - I think the number of people on the spectrum within the film industry is higher than anticipated. However, when people are being asked to disclose anything such as a disability, like in an industry report: Diamond - the fourth cut - often people don't complete it. (only 29% in that case). 

I'll put a link to it down below to it if anyone is interested. 

I know that there are lots of autistic actors - I think it's great. I also know of a few productions that searched exclusively for people on the spectrum to cast in everyday roles, which is great. I was quite surprised when I first found out that Anthony Hopkins has ASD, but it is great for general awareness. 

I agree that the token actor or role is very frustrating. I find it equally frustrating though when someone makes a film about autism without any autistic people involved and not doing their research - like Sia in her upcoming film Music...

https://creativediversitynetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/CDN-Diamond4-JANUARY-27-FINAL.pdf

As I re-read the comment I see how it comes across a bit harsh. That was not my intention :) And it was not meant to be personal - it was just a good example :) Because I really do believe that how autism is referred by anyone is really what will make the difference moving forward. Perhaps I was a bit sensitive on the subject today as well, as I had a quick chat with my grandfather, who still wants to convince me that autism is something I can change and it is selfish by me, not to do it. So yeah, I am sorry for clumsy writing and happy that my point seemed to come across anyway :) Looking forward to see your movies in the future

Charlie Timm said:

The first thing I would like to point out is your approach to autism. You write "I have autism", which semantically distances you from the condition. I personally identify as "I am autistic". I know this is an age-old debate, but I think it is important here, as you wish to create an inclusive portrayal of autism in mass media. Semantics is how we understand the world, so changing it can have a dramatic effect.

Yet ‘semantically’ (where forms and meanings are identified with particular or specific words) a person having autism as being either a personally or medically diagnosed condition ~ identifies that they are autistic.

So in the same way that you get both rectangles and squares with discussing the characteristics of three-dimensional cuboid forms, it is just as appropriate to identify as having autism as it is to identify as being autistic ~ it just depends upon one’s behavioural and linguistic development geopolitically, and all that.

MoritzV said:

My own view is that I find it difficult that there are barely any storylines portrayed or made by people on the spectrum (in front or behind the camera). Mostly it's stories by non-disabled filmmakers with non-autistic actors. If either would be the case, I could live with it, but most current or upcoming shows or movies seem either ableist or not grounded in reality

I'd bet that there's loads of high-functioning aspies within the industry at all levels - wherever there's a specialist needed - like a camera tech or entire cgi departments or soundscape producer or special effects model makers and set designers - all quietly just doing their job - better than everyone else - so they become successful and in high demand - but hidden.    

There's also plenty of autie/aspie actors - like Darryl Hannah or Anthony Hopkins. 

I think the worst thing is the classic 'token' actor or role shoe-horned into inappropriate places just to tick an inclusivity box or to get a nomination for an award no-one cares about.

i have dyslexia as well so dont worry about how u express yourself  - just keep doing it

Actually, I usually prefer to classify myself as on the autism spectrum, but I am also dyslexic, so I am not that great with writing... But I do understand what you mean, so thank you for that. I will keep that in mind for the future.  

The first thing I would like to point out is your approach to autism. You write "I have autism", which semantically distances you from the condition. I personally identify as "I am autistic". I know this is an age-old debate, but I think it is important here, as you wish to create an inclusive portrayal of autism in mass media. Semantics is how we understand the world, so changing it can have a dramatic effect.

Hi  - There's loads of threads on here discussing film and tv characters who are either deliberately written as autistic or we suspect are hidden autistic / Asperger's.

I'm an old fart and I see autistic tendencies in many characters simply because of lazy script writing - we are often labelled as not being complete people - like an underdeveloped character in a script.       I see it a lot in sloppy 1970s and '80s British tv 'drama' generated by the hippy-trippy arts grads of the time - especially on the BBC-funded gravy-train...  

And when the current crop of peak-time tv is 'I'm a 'sleb' or 'married at first sight', the bar is set soooo low that even James Cameron can't save us.

Personally, I, and many others, couldn't care less if someone is disabled or not - or what colour, sexuality etc - I just want to see something done well - but that's not how the acolytes of intersectionality perceive the world.