Autism representation in Film & TV - change needed?

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 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

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

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.