6.2 Give examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media

This guide will help you with answers for NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism 6.2 Give examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media.

Misrepresentation of Autism in the Media

Understanding how autism is portrayed in the media is essential for support workers. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception, and misrepresentations can lead to stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions about autism. Let’s look deeper into some common examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media.

Simplistic Stereotypes

Savant Stereotype

One of the most prevalent stereotypes is the “savant” or “genius” image. This is when the media portrays people with autism as possessing extraordinary skills or talents, such as incredible mathematical abilities or photographic memory.

• Example: The film “Rain Man” features a character who is based on a real person with autism and savant syndrome. However, such representations can be misleading because not all autistic individuals have such abilities. Only a small percentage of autistic people exhibit savant skills.

Permanent Childlike Dependence

Another harmful stereotype is that individuals with autism will always be childlike and dependent. This can underestimate their capabilities and potential for independence.

• Example: Television shows and movies often depict autistic characters as permanently reliant on carers or family members, ignoring stories of those living independently or maintaining jobs.

Overemphasis on Behavioural Issues

Portrayal of Meltdowns

Media often sensationalizes behavioural challenges, such as meltdowns, which can stigmatize autistic people and create fear or misunderstanding among the general public.

• Example: Showing an outburst or meltdown without context, explanation, or resolution can lead viewers to believe that these behaviours are the defining characteristics of autism.

Simplistic Cause and Effect

The media sometimes suggests that certain behaviours are the direct result of autism, ignoring other factors like environment or emotional state.

• Example: Portraying an autistic child acting out solely because of their autism rather than considering they might be reacting to sensory overload or frustration from communication barriers.

Misleading Explanations and Remedies

Autism as a Tragedy

Many media representations frame autism solely as a tragedy affecting families. This narrative can paint a bleak picture and lead to pity rather than understanding and support.

• Example: Stories focusing exclusively on the challenges and hardships faced by families with autistic members without balancing these with stories of achievements and happiness.

Miracle Cures

The media sometimes promotes the idea of “curing” autism, which can misrepresent the nature of the condition and spread harmful myths.

• Example: News stories or blogs that feature unproven or pseudoscientific treatments can give false hope and divert attention from effective support strategies.

Lack of Diverse Representation

Over-representation of Young Boys

Media usually depicts autism mainly in young boys, overlooking the reality that autism occurs across all ages and genders.

• Example: Autistic characters in mainstream media are predominantly young boys, which can contribute to the underdiagnosis of girls and adults.

Ethnic and Cultural Homogeneity

There is often a lack of representation of autistic individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, which can perpetuate the notion that autism predominantly affects certain groups.

• Example: Most autistic characters in films and TV shows are white, which ignores the experiences of autistic individuals from other backgrounds and may affect access to diagnostic and support services in more diverse communities.

Misunderstanding Communication Styles

One-Dimensional Communication

Media often portrays autistic individuals as being entirely non-verbal or unable to communicate effectively, which overlooks the spectrum of communication abilities.

• Example: Characters who either don’t speak at all or who exactly follow a single communication pattern, ignoring the wide range of effective communication strategies used by autistic individuals, such as picture exchange communication systems (PECS) or sign language.

Superhero Narrative

Unrealistic Abilities

Occasionally, media links autism with superhuman abilities, framing autistic individuals as having supernatural detectiveness or intelligence.

• Example: Characters who can solve complex puzzles in seconds or perceive things others cannot can set unrealistic expectations and overlook the daily challenges faced by many autistic individuals.

Overemphasis on Diagnosis and Labels

Defining Individuals by Diagnosis

Some media narratives overly focus on an autism diagnosis, which can frame autistic individuals as their diagnosis rather than as whole people with varied personalities and experiences.

• Example: Articles that label someone foremost as “an autistic person” rather than a person who is autistic can contribute to a narrow view that reduces individuals to their condition rather than recognising their full personhood.

Lack of Autistic Voices

Absence of Autistic Input

Often, narratives about autism are written or produced without input from the autistic community, leading to inaccuracies and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes.

• Example: Autistic characters in films or shows are rarely played by autistic actors, and scripts are typically written without consultation with the autistic community, which leads to inauthentic and potentially harmful portrayals.

Final Thoughts

Recognising these misrepresentations is important to providing correct information and fostering a supportive environment for autistic individuals. By understanding these media myths, support workers can challenge misconceptions, advocate for better representation, and educate others to build a more inclusive and accurate understanding of what it means to be autistic.

Example answers for unit 6.2 Give examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media

Example 1:
One common way autism is misrepresented in the media is through the depiction of individuals as always having extraordinary talents or savant abilities. Shows and movies like “Rain Man” feature characters with remarkable skills like photographic memory or incredible mathematical abilities. This creates the false impression that all autistic people possess such traits, whereas, in reality, it’s only a small fraction.

Example 2:
The media often represents autistic individuals as permanently dependent and childlike. For example, many TV shows portray characters with autism as needing constant care and supervision throughout their lives. This overlooks the fact that many autistic people can live independently, hold jobs, and lead fulfilling lives.

Example 3:
Meltdowns and behavioural issues are frequently sensationalised in the media. For instance, scenes that show an autistic person having a meltdown can be dramatic and scary without any context or understanding of why the meltdown occurred. This can lead to the public perceiving autistic individuals as unpredictable and difficult, rather than understanding the triggers and supports needed.

Example 4:
The media sometimes portrays autism as a tragedy for families, focusing only on the challenges and difficulties. News reports or documentaries might show parents struggling without also sharing the joy and achievements of their autistic children. This one-sided view can lead to pity rather than genuine understanding and support for autistic individuals.

Example 5:
In movies and TV, the majority of autistic characters are young boys, which ignores the reality that autism affects people of all ages and genders. This can lead to the misconception that girls and adults cannot be autistic or that their experiences are less valid. It overlooks the need for better diagnostic awareness and support for these groups.

Example 6:
Many autistic characters in media are portrayed as either completely nonverbal or communicating in a very specific way, ignoring the wide range of communication abilities. For example, shows might depict an autistic person as mute or speaking in monotone, without acknowledging those who use alternative communication methods like sign language or communication devices. This narrow representation can skew public understanding of the diverse ways autistic individuals communicate.