Neurodiversity in the Media:
As our society grapples with current social issues in light of a resurgence in protests regarding racial injustice, it is also critical to consider how these prejudices pervade our everyday lives, with one primary method being through the media. Music, movies, television, and news are merely a few examples of media that are commonly consumed by many individuals. Because of how prevalent our usage of such media is, we must also consider how implicit biases are spread through this.
For one, representation in the media describes how popular forms of media as listed above depict and explain a wide variety of social issues, identities, and characteristics, including but not limited to gender, race, religion, sexuality, and disabilities. While all of these forms of representation are essential to have in media, it is important to note the minimal advocacy for the inclusion and representation of the neurodiverse community.
In terms of movies and television, there are two parts to media representation, specifically considering neurodiversity: (1) including neurodivergent characters and (2) hiring neurodivergent actors. According to a study performed by Stern and Barnes that specifically considered a fictional drama, called The Good Doctor, and it’s relation to public perception of autism, they state “Exposure to one episode of a fictional drama depicting ASD, compared to watching a lecture, resulted in more accurate knowledge, more positive characteristics associated with ASD, fewer negative characteristics associated with ASD, and a greater desire to learn more about ASD.” Similarly, an article in The Conversation discusses an academic study performed by Sonya Freeman Loftis in 2015, expressing, “But [Loftis] also points out that positive representations of autism spectrum disorder can actually highlight some of the strengths that those with autism possess: attention to detail, high levels of concentration, forthrightness, dedication and strong memory skills.”
Nevertheless, the need for representation is not adequately being met. Besides an obvious lack of neurodiversity in the media, many of what does contain representation also perpetuates stereotypes about neurodiversity. Research by Andrea Roxanne Garner at the University of Wollongong found that “The distribution for filmic representations of autism-related symptoms [...] suggests that these films are representing ‘very high levels’ or ‘extreme levels’ of autism- related symptoms.” The thesis proceeds to explain how the high prevalence of “‘extreme representations’ in film, [provides] evidence that the film industry does portray outliers or at least aspects of exceptionalities beyond those that would be expected in the normal distribution.” Likewise, in An Analysis of Autism Through Media Representation, Alexandria Prochnow reveals, “As the DSM-5 criteria shows, ASD can manifest in countless ways, through distinct characteristics and behaviors; however, media tends to consolidate autistic characters into just four specific and mostly unrealistic categories, as aforementioned—magical/savant, “different/quirky, undiagnosed/unlabeled, and realistic portrayals,” finding that the hyper positive portrayals of autism in the media lead to unrealistic and harmful expectations. Although not exactly inaccurate, these categories are far from all encompassing, with savant like characteristics possessed by only 10% of individuals on the autism spectrum. In other words, the poor interpretations of autism and other conditions that fall under neurodiversity, combined with the lack of representation of all conditions under the spectrum, underscores the work still needed.
However books, movies, and television are not the sole prominent sources of media and platforms for representation. News channels can also serve as an outlet for disseminating educational information on neurodiversity. In fact, Exceptional Individuals is an organization that advocates for opportunities and equality for neurodivergent individuals by expanding the boundaries for education about neurodiversity. They have been featured on news channels such as BBC Breakfast, London Live, and BBC evening News to fight stigmas about neurodiversity. We should support organizations such as these, working to uplift neurodivergent individuals and challenge society’s prejudiced perception of them. However there is still much more to be accomplished and by understanding the significance of representation, we can begin to work towards achieving it.
Importance of Representation:
The stagnated society that we live in is often characterized by the lack of exposure we have to a greater range of perspectives. When a small scope of identities make up the entire media platform, backgrounds are left buried and stories are left unheard.
Portraying neurodiverse individuals in a light that highlights them as capable and worthy of achieving success can help change the neurodiverse narrative. Sharing their struggles and their ability to overcome the obstacles in a world built to exclude them can draw attention to neurodiversity and the importance of shaping a world for a community that contributes to building out society. Besides serving as a form of empowerment and inspiration for neurodivergent individuals, as well as a means of validation and progression to the future, it can draw attention to the necessity for more accomodations in our society and help fuel change.
Our Role in Increasing Representation:
The media is a platform controlled by those who use it. In other words, we are in control of what we say. Understanding that the neurodiverse community is not well represented means that we have the ability to demand more. Advocate for individuals in the neurodiverse community by uplifting their voices, highlighting their stories, showcasing their triumphs on our platforms, and supporting neurodiverse individuals who are chasing their dreams.
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