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Autism representation in Film & TV - change needed?

MoritzV

Hey everyone, 

I am currently studying my MA in directing film, and I am interested in your view of autism within films/TV shows.

I have autism myself, and I thought it would be great to have an open discussion about representation as I aim to hopefully change things in the film/TV industry.

Have you got any good or bad examples of autistic storylines in film or television series? 

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

What would you like to see in terms of changes within the film/TV industry?

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... 

Parents

  • 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.

Reply

  • 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.

Children
  • in reply to Charlie Timm

    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. 

  • in reply to Charlie Timm
    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.

  • in reply to Charlie Timm

    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.  Slight smile