How Autism Is Misrepresented In Mainstream Media
There are many examples of how autism can be misrepresented in the media. Unfortunately, there is a lack of accurate information in the media with regard to the condition.
Furthermore, many are of the opinion, that the difficulties faced by those with autism are under- reported. The consequence of this under- reporting is a lack of understanding of the condition amongst the general public. This, in turn, can unfortunately result in misinformation and intolerance. The fact of the matter is that many newspapers are only interested in reporting on stories that will make money. Consequently, they often focus on tragedy or ' feel-good' stories. Some people take the view that autism is often not dealt with properly by the media. The reason they feel this way is, because to them, the media is worried that in depth reporting will scare viewers and readers away due to the distinct lack of the ' essential' 'feel-good' factor. It may frighten people, or make them feel uneasy. Often when the media do deal with autism, they concentrate on extreme examples of it in order to sensationalise it or only show stories which reveal the severe complications which are a consequence of it. A children's development specialist, Chelvi Kukendrarajah, feels that those working in the media need to inform themselves about the condition:
' It would help enormously if the writers and reporters possessed a greater knowledge of high functioning autism and autism treatment. This wouldn't require an enormous amount of research, but rather, the digestion of some key facts.' ('https://www.childrensdevelopmentspecialist.co.uk/how-autism-can-be-misrepresented-in-the-media/ 29/07/2020)
Inaccurate reporting, and inaccurate media discussions about autism, have in the past, resulted in more ignorance and intolerance.As people were not properly informed about the condition, they tended to label individuals with autism as ' lazy', ' stupid', ' badly behaved' or the product of'' poor parenting'.
A particularly distressing example of the misrepresentation of autism in the media involved the case of Norwegian mass murderer, Anders Behring Breivik, in 2011. Although he was a right - wing extremist, rather than focus on his political leanings, newspapers chose instead to focus very much more on the psychiatrist's statement that he probably possessed Asperger syndrome and that this condition left him, ' incapable of empathy or real friendship.' Alas, this kind of reporting can have a profoundly negative impact on people's perceptions. It can not only reinforce long- standing prejudices, but it can also create more barriers for individuals with autism. The reason for this is that it leaves people feeling frightened and suspicious. The consequences of it can be increased stigma, prejudice, bigotry and discrimination for those with disabilities.
Notwithstanding, a study in 1991 that discovered that no increased propensity for violence among individuals with autism, the media typically chose to ignore this important finding. Indeed, generally speaking, the media has frequently linked being autistic with increased violence and criminal behaviour. This ' deliberate' inaccuracy is even harder to accept given that the 1991 study also found that violence was lower, proportionally, than the total population.
Autism can be misrepresented in films and TV programmes. Unfortunately, this misrepresentation can formulate fixed ideas in people's minds. For example, the film Rain Man ( 1988) featured the renowned American actor, Dustin Hoffman, playing a character with autism ( a socially awkward genius). Prior to the release of this film, many people had never heard of autism. The film, and subsequent news stories about real children focused on high functioning autism, rather than the autism spectrum as a whole:
' High functioning autism is the form of autism spectrum disorder which is characterised by social awkwardness, eccentricity and emotional sensitivity. In some cases, a connection is also made between high functioning autism and high intelligence, or even genius. But when watching your T.V or scrolling the internet, it can sometimes seem as if this part of the autism spectrum is being used to represent autism as a whole - which is entirely inaccurate.' (https://www.childrensdevelopmentspecialist.co.uk/how-autism-can-be-misrepresented-in-the-media/29/07/2020/).
For example, the mainstream media tends to emphasise the autistic ' super' ability to not only memorise entire books, but also to rapidly solve complex mathematical equations or play a concerto with absolutely no musical training whatsoever ( even Mozart wasn't THAT good!)
Unfortunately Rain Man's popularity helped to form many people's perceptions of autism for a number of years. Furthermore, some individuals are still of the opinion, that this film has done the condition far more harm than good. Finally, they believe that it could even have led to autism being misdiagnosed.
' Of even more concern is the media's portrayal of high functioning autism. From Albert Einstein to Sir Anthony Hopkins and Susan Boyle- because the legends and celebrities who are regularly associated with the condition are high achievers in their individual spheres, the myth is unwittingly pedalled that high functioning autistic= genius or rare talent.' (https://www.childrensdevelopmentspecialist.co.uk/how-autism-can-be misrepresented-in-the-media/29/07/2020).
It seems that most people still believe that individuals with autism fall into one of two crude categories because of the way their condition is portrayed on TV and in films. They are either labelled/ classed as being in a world of their own, not speaking and making repetitive movements, or regarded as being supersmart and managing in society, notwithstanding the difficulty they have in terms of socialising.To briefly conclude, clearly autism is complex and individual, and the stereotyping that I have described throughout this article, only goes further in terms of reinforcing misconceptions about the condition.
Perhaps those in the media would be wise to take heed of these pertinent comments courtesy of Chelvi Kukendrarajah:
' Among the most important facts for the media to consider, is that people with high functioning autism may or not possess remarkable high intelligence. They are faced with large obstacles to living a comfortable life and achieving success in life; let alone reaching the level of accomplishment associated with Einstein...
The expectations placed upon people at the higher end of autism spectrum can also be difficult. While those with severe autism are expected to exhibit odd behaviours, those with high functioning autism may shock or let others down who are not accustomed to their odd behaviours, as in the most part, they can ' pass for normal'.https://www.childrensdevelopmentspecialist.co.uk/how-autism-can-be-misrepresented-in-the-media/
Clearly, children in contemporary society can consume as much media as adults via an increasing variety of touchpoints. Henceforth,' it is absolutely vital that misrepresentations of autism are not ingrained at an early age. This could impact on the way in which children view other children with autism. The solution? To keep vocal with the facts!' (https://www.childrensdevelopmentspecialist.co.uk/how-autism-can-misrepresented-in-the-media/29/07/2020)