Productive Bodies & Minds: Exploring Autistic Labor in As We See It

Abstract

Allistic actors have long portrayed autistic characters on-screen -a topic of critique for autistic advocates (Jones, 2022). Cue As We See It: a 2022 Amazon Original series about three autistic roommates navigating their twenties. The series intentionally cast autistic actors and addresses a demographic of autistic people often overlooked in television: the youth precariat (Aspler, Harding, & Cascio, 2022). This research explores whether and how As We See It adds complexity to discussions around work and disability/autism. Applying Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis, I examine the show's pilot episode and reception among key audiences.Several themes emerged reinforcing an ableist/neurotypical discourse that valorizes ideal bodies and minds within a capitalist order, around which autistic people are disciplined. An alternative discourse also emerged celebrating autistic pride. This study contributes to the developing field of Critical Autism Studies and explores the affordances of a critical, materialist approach in furthering questions of autistic labor.To Dr. Brady and Dr. Fritsch, your courses inspired me to write this thesis. I have long been an intellectual admirer of your work and to have had the opportunity to work with you both was a pinch me! moment. You are both deeply generous with your time and your guidance. I was able to push myself, and not let the fear of making mistakes hold me back, because of the safety inherent in your support. You have made me a better writer and a stronger thinker. Thank you.To Mum and Dad, I have reached this milestone because of you both. Thank you for raising me to be strong-willed and curious. Thank you for never giving me reason to doubt I could accomplish something, for teaching me to find the humor in every moment, and for being my guiding light, always. I am who I am because of you. You are the most wonderful parents and have given me the most wonderful life. I love you, very much.To Leigh, thank you for every cup of coffee, quietly delivered while I was writing. Thank you for every joke, timed exactly when I needed to be grounded the most. Thank you for accompanying me on long walks when I needed to work through writer's block. Thank you for every adventure and reminding me to stay present. Thank you for lifting me up and for being a soft place to land at the end of long days. Your support and collaboration are unmatched. You are an indelible force in my life, and I am so fortunate to call you my partner. I love you deeply.And to Nicky. The boxer, the fighter, the champion. Your siblinghood has been the greatest gift of my life. You taught me resilience, and always reminded me:It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done.-Rocky Balboa I love you.