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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

  • 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! 

Reply

  • 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! 

Children
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