An Examination of the Representation of the Autistic Community in Film
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i3.4999Keywords:
Autism, film representation, film, DSM-5 test, stigmatization, stereotypes, ableism, Autism spectrum disorder, Disability, savantAbstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a life-long neurodevelopmental disorder where individuals with a diagnosis have communication challenges and many restrictions within their everyday life. Being a disadvantaged community, they tend to face discrimination and stigmatization on social media associated with social withdrawal and lower mental health. Their representation in film may have similar effects yet rarely studied. This study uses a directed content analysis with codes derived from the DSM-5 test and Baker’s Autistic Formula in order to calculate frequencies, duration, and percentages of movies devoted to each stereotype or criterion. The results from this research reveal that although the film industry is being representative they may be over-using certain symptoms and using stereotypes that the autistic community may find offensive.
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