Unraveling the Misrepresentations and Misconceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder
In this blog post, I’m shedding some light on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the ridiculous amount of misinformation and misconceptions about this disorder that circulate around the internet and media. And before you ask—yes, this is a vent post. I’ll be making a post discussing Autism spectrum disorder evaluations in detail at a later date, but before I do that, it is important to discuss the facts and myths of this complex and diverse neurodevelopmental condition.
Before I get on my soapbox, what is Autism spectrum disorder? Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors. The symptoms are typically noticeable by two years of age and they persist with some variation across the lifespan. Symptoms can often be suppressed or improved upon though social learning over time. Early identification and intervention are crucial for individuals with ASD to achieve their full potential. As a general rule, individuals on the Autism spectrum experience more favorable outcomes when diagnosed at an earlier stage.
Okay, I am now standing on my soapbox—let’s do this. First let’s talk about how ASD is depicted in the media. Many media representations tend to stereotype individuals with ASD by focusing solely on certain repetitive behaviors or exceptional skills (e.g., Rain man, Big Bang Theory, The Good Doctor). This narrow portrayal fails to capture the full spectrum of experiences, strengths, and challenges that individuals with ASD may exhibit. While we should celebrate and appreciate neurodiversity, we should not create sensationalized and misleading portrayals that perpetuate stereotypes. While some individuals with ASD may possess exceptional skills, the media tends to disproportionately focus on these savant abilities (Nordahl-Hansen et al., 2018). This emphasis reinforces the misconception that all individuals with ASD have extraordinary talents, overshadowing the real and varied challenges they may face in daily life.
The media also often portrays individuals with ASD as facing severe, insurmountable challenges. While these cases exist, they do not represent the majority, contributing to a skewed perception of ASD as solely a disability rather than a spectrum with varying degrees of ability. Positive and empowering stories of individuals with ASD navigating and succeeding in various aspects of life are often overshadowed by more sensationalized narratives (Mittmann et al., 2023). Highlighting only the struggles can create a one-dimensional view, missing the resilience, achievements, and contributions of those with ASD.
Together, these inaccurate depictions contribute to misunderstandings about ASD, perpetuating stereotypes that may be internalized by the public. This can lead to misconceptions about the capabilities, behaviors, and social interactions of individuals with ASD (Jones et a., 2023).
Second, there is a general misunderstanding of the spectrum-nature of Autism. Autism spectrum disorder is appropriately named for its spectrum nature. The symptom manifestations exist along a spectrum, encompassing a wide range of abilities, challenges, and behaviors. A major misconception people often have is that possessing a single trait means that you must be on the Autism spectrum—it does not!
The diagnostic criteria for ASD, as outlined in the [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)—not a light read], emphasize the need for a collection of symptoms to meet the criteria for diagnosis—having just one or two symptoms does not make the cut. In addition, ASD is a developmental disorder, and its characteristics may evolve over time. This means that the symptoms have been present since early childhood. People do not develop Autism when they are in high school. A thorough diagnosis requires an understanding of the individual’s developmental history. Clinical psychologists like myself track the consistency and persistence of ASD-related traits from early childhood through adolescence and adulthood to inform diagnostic impressions.
Addressing the inaccurate depictions of Autism spectrum disorder in the media is crucial for fostering a more informed and empathetic society. By showcasing the diversity, strengths, and successes of individuals with ASD, we can work towards dismantling stereotypes, reducing stigma, and promoting a more accurate understanding of this multifaceted condition. Furthermore, by understanding ASD as a spectrum, we highlight the individuality of each person’s experience. No two individuals with ASD are exactly alike, and their strengths and challenges may differ significantly. By embracing the variation and complexity of the spectrum, we foster inclusivity, reduce stigma, and pave the way for more effective support and advocacy within the ASD community. If, after reading this, you are wondering if you may be on the Autism spectrum, reach out to my office and book a consultation and we can discuss whether an Autism spectrum disorder evaluation is appropriate for you.
References
Jones, S. C., Gordon, C. S., & Mizzi, S. (2023). Representation of autism in fictional media: A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of
autism. Autism: the international journal of research and practice, 27(8), 2205–2217. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231155770
Mittmann, G., Schrank, B., & Steiner-Hofbauer, V. (2023). Portrayal of autism in mainstream media – a scoping review about representation, stigmatization and effects on consumers in non-
fiction and fiction media. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04959-6.
Nordahl-Hansen, A., Tøndevold, M., Fletcher-Watson, S. (2018). Mental health on screen: A DSM-5 dissection of portrayals of autism spectrum disorders in film and TV. Psychiatry Research,
262, 351-353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2017.08.050.
