Over the last few years, films, TV shows and other media outlets have started to be more inclusive of different disabilities, beliefs, races and so much more. However, there has been some scrutiny on how autism and neuro-divergency have been negatively portrayed in the media, shedding light on the studios that have been inaccurately depicting autistic groups without conducting proper research.
Even though the media industry is taking huge steps forward with actors portraying autistic people, these TV shows and films are playing into the stereotypical predominantly male route. They aren’t showing what the majority of autistic people actually feel and experience. In productions such as “The Good Doctor” and “The Big Bang Theory,” the central characters are portrayed as autistic, although, while these shows offer insights into certain aspects of the autistic experience, they tend to emphasize the challenges over the strengths, providing a portrayal that leans more towards highlighting challenges rather than strenghts.
‘The Big Bang Theory’ – 2007 – 2019
In ‘The Big Bang Theory’, the character Dr Sheldon Cooper is portrayed by the actor Jim Parsons. Sheldon exhibits a range of autistic traits such as social awkwardness, exceptional intellectual abilities and an extreme preference for routines and order. Throughout the series, the creators offer a humorous portrayal of Sheldon’s experiences, whilst also providing insight into the unique perspectives of autistic people.
The character of Sheldon Cooper has been both celebrated and critiqued for its representation of autistic people. Whilst the show never actually mentioned that Sheldon Cooper was explicitly autistic, the stereotypes portrayed through his character highlighted this to its viewers. One of the main reasons that ‘The Big Bang Theory’ received a lot of criticism, was because the show occasionally used the fact that Sheldon was autistic for comedic effect. While the show has certainly played a role in raising the awareness of autistic individuals, these concerns show the importance of promoting more accurate portrayals of neurodiversity in the media and not using them for comedic effect.
‘The Good Doctor’ – 2017 – Present
In ‘The Good Doctor’, we see a few unrealistic traits of autistic people through the character Dr Shaun Murphy. In many scenes of the show, we see Shaun go deep into thought when an emergency arises with blueprints, mathematical equations and many technical formulas floating around his head, implying that this is what happens to autistic people when put under pressure to act fast. Although this may be the show’s way of physically showing the viewers how fast and intelligently his brain works, it creates unrealistic expectations for autistic people.
Even though The Good Doctor has received some criticism for its portrayal of autism in the media, many people have also learnt a lot from watching the show, for example, his journey throughout the show highlights the significance of tenacity when confronted with challenges and demonstrates that it is possible to overcome these challenges with the right support.
One of the main issues we repeatedly see with portraying autistic people in the media is that the actors themselves aren’t autistic. Even though the media is evolving and learning more every day, this is something we would love to see in future shows and films.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of media representation is making commendable strides towards inclusivity, yet the portrayal of autism and neurodiversity remains a nuanced challenge. While TV shows like “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Good Doctor” have contributed to raising awareness, they have also sparked important discussions about the responsibility of accurate representation.
The characterisation of autistic individuals in these shows, although offering insights into unique perspectives, often leans into stereotypes, inadvertently perpetuating misconceptions. The use of autism for comedic effect, as seen in “The Big Bang Theory,” underscores the delicate balance that must be struck between entertainment and responsible representation.
“The Good Doctor,” while facing criticism for unrealistic portrayals, has simultaneously provided viewers with valuable lessons about tenacity and the potential for triumph over challenges. However, the persistent issue of non-autistic actors taking on autistic roles highlights a crucial aspect of the conversation – the necessity for authentic representation in the media.
As we navigate the complex intersection of media, diversity, and neurodiversity, it is imperative for creators, writers, and the industry as a whole to heed the call for more accurate and respectful portrayals of autism. By casting neurodivergent individuals and avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes, media can play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, empathy, and genuine inclusivity for audiences worldwide. Ultimately, the journey towards authentic representation is ongoing, and its success lies in the commitment to listen, learn, and evolve in tandem with the diverse realities of the neurodivergent community.
