Effect of Autism Portrayal in Television and Film Media on Viewers With Autism

White, Jaime Mae; Snape, Simom

Effect of Autism Portrayal in Television and Film Media on Viewers With Autism

White, Jaime Mae and Snape, Simom (2026) Effect of Autism Portrayal in Television and Film Media on Viewers With Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. ISSN 0162-3257

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Abstract

Purpose

Representation of people with autism in television and film media is increasing. However, inaccurate or stereotypical representations can be potentially harmful to the world’s view of people with autism. This has been widely explored in previous literature. However, less attention has been given to analysing how people with autism perceive these representations and the effect that these representations have on people with autism themselves. The current study therefore explored the perceptions of people with autism on representations of autism in television and film media and the effects that these representations have on them.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 10 participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on this topic. Thematic analysis was then carried out.
Results

Thematic analysis identified three key themes: ‘neurotypical actors in autistic roles leads to feelings of discomfort’; ‘autism representation is well-meaning, but lazy’; and ‘harmful effect of the autistic savant’.
Conclusion

Overall, rather than empowering and including people with autism, the representations of autism in television and film media that they encountered were often found to be distressing. These findings have clear implications for how autism representation in television and film media could be improved.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1007/s10803-026-07305-4
Dates:	Date Event 27 March 2026 Published Online 10 March 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	autism spectrum disorder, ASD, neurodiversity, media, film, telelvision
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific)
Divisions:	Life and Health Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Gemma Tonks
Date Deposited:	05 Aug 2026 13:50
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2026 13:50
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/17150