Autism Does Not Speak: An Analysis of the Silencing of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Community in Television Dramas

Abstract

Depictions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in film and television are laden with misconceptions and stereotypes—including universal savantism, parental panic, and a presumed lack of social skills. Arguably, these misconceptions result from an overemphasis on what is known as neurotypicality, as opposed to recognizing what is known as neurodiversity. This thesis asks what the advantages and disadvantages of greater participation from writers and actors with ASD would be.