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

Abstract

Media depictions of autism have the potential to have either positive or detrimental impacts on the lives of autistic people. This systematic review aimed to examine (1) the accuracy and authenticity of fictional media portrayals of autism (Part A) and (2) the impact of viewing such portrayals on knowledge about autism and attitudes towards autistic people (Part B). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review: 14 for Part A and 3 for Part B, comprising five experimental studies. The media reviewed in Part A covered a 30-year period (1988–2017). Several stereotypical and unhelpful portrayals surfaced. Positive portrayals of autism highlighted strengths and reflected nuance. Overall, participants in the fiction conditions in Part B were significantly more likely to attribute positive traits to an autistic person than those in the control conditions, with medium effect sizes ranging from 0.57 to 0.73. There were no improvements in knowledge. Given the small number of studies included in this review, further evidence is needed to understand the conditions under which fictional media may be effective. There is also a need to develop measures that accurately and respectfully measure autistic people’s experiences of community knowledge and attitudes. Lay 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.

‘Most people have no idea what autism is’: Unpacking autism disclosure using social media analysis

“…Users in our study suggested positive media portrayals and more autism advocacy through public figures could be two ways to ensure a safer environment for autistic people who want to disclose or be more authentic in their communities. This aligns with emerging research that shows mass media is often considered the most prominent source of information on conditions such as autism for the general public, but the usual lens through which it is portrayed (skewed and often negative) is problematic and promotes stigma (Fontes & Pino-Juste, 2022; Jones et al, 2023). Therefore, the media must consider more diversity in autistic portrayals, more ethical and accurate reporting, and include relevant strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses.…”

“…It is known that depictions of autism in the public sphere may promote negative stereotypes and stigmatization (e.g. Holton et al, 2014; Jones et al, 2023), and our study demonstrated that these inaccuracies influence disclosure decisions for autistic individuals. Therefore, to improve experiences of disclosure for autistic individuals, accurate knowledge of autism and acceptance of autism among community members is a critical step in combating the systemic barriers and prejudice faced by autistic individuals in various domains of their lives.…”

Teaching higher education staff to understand and support autistic students: evaluation of a novel training program

“…It may be the case that for some of the questions, the training content led staff to mistakenly change their answers. For example, the course covered stereotypes of autism and explained that not all autistic people are boys or men, as is often depicted in media (42). After learning this, trainees could have disagreed with the statement "autism is more frequently diagnosed in males than females, " even though it is correct.…”

Media Literacy and Assistive Technologies for Empowerment in Autism

“…One notable opportunity emphasised in the existing body of literature pertains to the imperative of fostering genuine and varied portrayals of individuals diagnosed with ASD. It is worth noting that the prevailing depictions of individuals with ASD are often fraught with issues and predominantly centred around those with high support needs (Jones et al, 2023). Based on the findings of Jones et al's (2023) Systematic Literature Review (SLR), autism is predominantly depicted as a source of fear or as an important hurdle.…”

“…It is worth noting that the prevailing depictions of individuals with ASD are often fraught with issues and predominantly centred around those with high support needs (Jones et al, 2023). Based on the findings of Jones et al's (2023) Systematic Literature Review (SLR), autism is predominantly depicted as a source of fear or as an important hurdle. One instance of a favourable portrayal of autism in the media can be observed in the television series Atypical (Rashid, 2017(Rashid, -2021.…”