With the seemingly sudden arrival of new TV shows showcasing leads diagnosed with autism, such as The Good Doctor and Atypical, many have begun to question whether or not these portrayals are accurate. These shows have been criticized for both relying on the use of unrealistic stereotypes, and for casting neurotypicals to fill the demanding and complex roles of characters with autism.
Both autistic leads are a jumble of dramatized stereotypes. However, given the broadness and sheer complexity of the spectrum, it’s understandable how directors might struggle to comprehend the individuality that each person on the spectrum holds. By this, I simply mean that not everyone diagnosed with autism is going to exhibit the same behaviors at the same, exact intensity. In order to combat this and aim for the most realistic portrayal of autism possible, the Netflix series Atypical made use of an autism consultant, while The Good Doctor did not.
Both autistic leads are a jumble of dramatized stereotypes. However, given the broadness and sheer complexity of the spectrum, it’s understandable how directors might struggle to comprehend the individuality that each person on the spectrum holds. By this, I simply mean that not everyone diagnosed with autism is going to exhibit the same behaviors at the same, exact intensity. In order to combat this and aim for the most realistic portrayal of autism possible, the Netflix series Atypical made use of an autism consultant, while The Good Doctor did not.
The Good Doctor is a show about a young autistic surgeon who has savant syndrome (a condition in which someone with significant mental disabilities demonstrates certain abilities far in excess of average). The first episode brings into question whether or not he has the ability to become a qualified surgeon, given the fact that those with autism appear to lack empathy for others. The hospital employers doubted Dr. Murphy’s ability to exhibit sympathy towards grieving parents and fearful patients, but this argument was soon negated after he told a story from his troubled childhood that clearly demonstrated empathy, meanwhile answering the significant question as to why he wanted to become a doctor.
A similar topic to this was brought up in Atypical after Sam broke up with his girlfriend in a hasty and insensitive manner, causing her to become visibly distraught. This episode single-handedly debunked the infamous myth that autistic people lack the capacity to show compassion and concern for others as Sam’s voiceover sounded, “I feel lots of empathy… Maybe even more than neurotypicals.”
As a fan of both shows, I enjoyed learning more about autism and I appreciate how these depictions allow me to become more aware of the detrimental stereotypes and assumptions regarding autism. However, seeing others who actually have autism, voice their concern about the accuracy of these portrayals causes me to draw back and analyze a bit deeper. Atypical is different in the way that the director made use of a consultant, earning them more praise and labels such as, “The best and most realistic depiction of autism out there!” The Good Doctor, on the other hand, continues to receive criticism and backlash for spreading what appears to be misinformation.
If producers are interested in bringing awareness to this condition, they should do so in a way that will be both beneficial and informative. Autism shouldn’t be used as a trendy storyline to spice up TV shows, or a last-minute attempt to add character depth, but should receive the proper research and attention it requires. Carefully and thoughtfully created characters who happen to have autism can broaden people’s understanding and have positive impacts on interactions with people who are “different”.
As a fan of both shows, I enjoyed learning more about autism and I appreciate how these depictions allow me to become more aware of the detrimental stereotypes and assumptions regarding autism. However, seeing others who actually have autism, voice their concern about the accuracy of these portrayals causes me to draw back and analyze a bit deeper. Atypical is different in the way that the director made use of a consultant, earning them more praise and labels such as, “The best and most realistic depiction of autism out there!” The Good Doctor, on the other hand, continues to receive criticism and backlash for spreading what appears to be misinformation.
If producers are interested in bringing awareness to this condition, they should do so in a way that will be both beneficial and informative. Autism shouldn’t be used as a trendy storyline to spice up TV shows, or a last-minute attempt to add character depth, but should receive the proper research and attention it requires. Carefully and thoughtfully created characters who happen to have autism can broaden people’s understanding and have positive impacts on interactions with people who are “different”.