Why the Media Still Gets Autism Wrong
Bridgette Hamstead
For decades, mainstream media has shaped the public’s perception of autism, and for decades, it has gotten it wrong. Despite increased awareness and advocacy from the neurodivergent community, portrayals of autism in television, film, news, and literature remain riddled with harmful stereotypes, misinformation, and a near-total erasure of the diversity of autistic experiences. From the "genius savant" trope to infantilizing portrayals that depict autistic people as burdens, media representations of autism continue to perpetuate myths rather than reflect the lived realities of autistic individuals.
The consequences of these misrepresentations are severe. Public perception of autism is directly influenced by what people see in media, shaping everything from medical diagnoses to workplace accommodations to how autistic individuals are treated in their own communities. Inaccurate portrayals fuel stigma, reinforce ableism, and make it harder for autistic individuals—particularly those with marginalized identities—to be recognized and supported. If we are to create a truly inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming society, we must confront the ways in which media continues to fail autistic people and demand better, more accurate, and more inclusive representation.
The Persistence of Stereotypes
One of the most damaging aspects of autism representation in media is the reliance on a narrow set of stereotypes. Time and again, autistic characters are depicted in ways that reinforce a limited and inaccurate understanding of what autism actually is.
The “Genius Savant” Trope
Perhaps the most enduring stereotype of autism in media is that of the "genius savant." This character—popularized by films like Rain Man—is portrayed as socially inept but possessing an extraordinary, almost supernatural ability in a specific area, such as mathematics, music, or memory recall. While some autistic individuals do have savant skills, they represent only a tiny fraction of the autistic population. This trope distorts public understanding by making it seem as though autism is only valid if it comes with a marketable or extraordinary talent. It also erases the experiences of autistic individuals with average or high support needs who do not fit this narrative.
The Emotionless Robot Myth
Another deeply harmful stereotype is the depiction of autistic people as emotionally disconnected, robotic, or lacking empathy. Characters like Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) and Sherlock Holmes (in various adaptations) are often interpreted as autistic-coded figures who display social awkwardness, rigid thinking, and obsessive interests—yet they are frequently portrayed as emotionally detached or incapable of forming deep relationships. This stereotype has real-world consequences, as it fuels the misconception that autistic individuals do not experience or understand emotions, making it easier for society to dismiss their struggles, joys, and humanity.
The Tragic Burden Narrative
Many portrayals of autism in media do not center autistic individuals at all, but instead focus on the experiences of neurotypical parents, caregivers, or siblings who are depicted as "struggling" with the presence of an autistic person in their lives. This is especially common in films and television shows that frame autism as a tragedy, as seen in movies like Music and countless reality TV specials that portray autistic children as problems to be solved. These narratives reinforce the dangerous idea that autistic individuals are a burden to those around them, rather than human beings deserving of respect and autonomy.
The Lack of Representation for Autistic Adults, Women, and BIPOC
Beyond misrepresentation, one of the most glaring issues in media portrayals of autism is the near-total erasure of large portions of the autistic population. The media overwhelmingly presents autism as a condition that affects white boys, ignoring the realities of autistic adults, women, nonbinary individuals, and people of color.
The Erasure of Autistic Adults
Many people still associate autism solely with childhood, in large part due to how autism has been depicted in media. Autistic children are frequently portrayed as struggling students or misunderstood geniuses, but rarely do these stories follow them into adulthood. The lack of autistic adult representation contributes to the misconception that autistic individuals "grow out of" their autism or that autism is only a childhood disorder. In reality, autistic adults exist in every profession, demographic, and stage of life, yet they remain largely invisible in mainstream media.
The Exclusion of Autistic Women and Nonbinary Individuals
Autistic women and nonbinary people are routinely left out of autism narratives, in part because of outdated diagnostic criteria that were based on male-centered research. When autistic characters do appear in media, they are almost always men, reinforcing the myth that autism is a "male disorder." The result is that autistic women and nonbinary individuals are significantly more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions, making it harder for them to access support and accommodations.
The Whitewashing of Autism
Autistic people of color face some of the highest barriers to diagnosis, support, and recognition, and media representations of autism only worsen this reality. The vast majority of autistic characters in film and television are white, reinforcing the misconception that autism does not affect Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). This contributes to harmful disparities, as BIPOC autistic individuals are more likely to be misdiagnosed, criminalized, or denied services altogether. Representation matters—not just for visibility, but for ensuring that all autistic individuals, regardless of race, are recognized and supported.
How the Media Can Do Better
The failures of media representation are not accidental—they are the result of an industry that has historically excluded autistic voices from telling their own stories. If we want to see more accurate and affirming portrayals of autism, the media must commit to meaningful change.
Hire Autistic Writers, Directors, and Consultants – Autistic representation should not be dictated by neurotypical creators who rely on outdated stereotypes. Autistic people must be involved in the writing, directing, and production of stories about autism.
Move Beyond the Stereotypes – Autism is not a singular experience. Media must embrace the diversity of the autistic spectrum, showing characters with different support needs, communication styles, and backgrounds.
Tell Stories About Autistic Adults – Autistic people do not disappear at 18. We need stories that portray the experiences of autistic adults in relationships, workplaces, and everyday life.
Represent the Full Diversity of Autism – More stories about autistic women, nonbinary people, and BIPOC individuals are needed to combat the white, male-dominated narrative that has dominated autism discourse for too long.
Stop Centering Autism Narratives on Neurotypical People – Autistic stories should be told from autistic perspectives, not through the lens of neurotypical parents or caregivers who frame autism as a burden.
Shifting the Narrative
Autistic representation in media has the power to shape public understanding, influence policy, and challenge deeply ingrained biases. However, as long as the media continues to rely on outdated stereotypes and exclusionary narratives, autistic individuals will continue to face stigma, misunderstanding, and systemic barriers.
It is time for the media to move beyond the tired tropes of the past and embrace authentic, neurodivergent-led storytelling. Autism is not a punchline, a tragedy, or a superpower—it is a way of being, and it deserves to be represented with accuracy, dignity, and complexity. True representation means ensuring that autistic individuals have the power to tell their own stories, on their own terms. The media still gets autism wrong—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.