Representation of autism in fictional media: A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of autism

Summary & key facts

This review looked at research on how fictional media show autistic people and whether those portrayals change what viewers know or feel about autism. It found many stereotyped or unhelpful depictions but also some positive, nuanced portrayals. Short exposures to fictional scenes did not improve viewers' knowledge of autism, though attitudes sometimes improved; the evidence is limited and more research is needed.

Key facts:

• The review covered two parts: Part A examined representation in media using 14 studies, and Part B tested effects on viewers using 5 studies.
• Several studies in Part A reported unhelpful or stereotypical portrayals of autistic people in fictional media.
• Some portrayals were positive and highlighted autistic people's strengths and showed more nuance.
• Across the 5 studies in Part B, viewers showed no improvement in measured knowledge of autism after watching or reading a short fictional segment.
• Part B did find a statistically significant improvement in people's attitudes toward autistic people after short fictional exposure, but these results come from a small number of studies and brief exposures.
• The authors say current evidence does not give a complete picture because most studies tested only short media exposures and there are few studies overall.
• The review highlights a need for more diverse representations (for example, not assuming autistic people are white heterosexual males).
• The authors call for future research on repeated or varied exposures to both fictional and non-fictional portrayals, and for better, more accurate ways to measure people’s knowledge of and attitudes toward autism.

Abstract

The way autism is represented in fictional media can impact people's views of autistic people. For example, representations may contribute to negative views of autistic people as being unusual or dangerous, or they may challenge stereotypes and instead highlight the strengths of autistic people. This work aimed to review previous research to understand how autistic people have been represented in fictional media (Part A). It also sought to understand whether viewing fictional portrayals of autism has an impact on people's knowledge of autism and attitudes towards autistic people (Part B). Of 14 studies that were included in Part A, several unhelpful and stereotypical portrayals of autism emerged. Positive portrayals were those that highlighted the strengths of autistic people and reflected nuance. There is a need for greater diversity in representation of autism in fictional media. For example, not all autistic people are white heterosexual males. Across the five studies included in Part B, there were no improvements in people's knowledge of autism after watching or reading a short segment from a fictional TV series or novel that depicts an autistic person. Although there was a significant improvement in people's attitudes towards autistic people, these findings do not provide a complete picture given the short length of the media exposure and small number of studies. Future studies should investigate how multiple exposures to the representation of autistic people in both fictional and non-fictional sources can affect people's understanding of autism. There is also a need to develop more accurate and respectful ways of measuring people's knowledge of, and attitudes towards, autism.

Topics

Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Child Development and Digital Technology Media Influence and Health

Categories

Cognitive Neuroscience Life Sciences Neuroscience

Tags

Autism Computer science Content (measure theory) Developmental psychology Inclusion (mineral) Law Mathematical analysis Mathematics Media content Multimedia Political science Politics Psychology Representation (politics) Social psychology