Who is responsible for telling neurodivergent stories?
In early June 2020, Amazon Studios announced a series order from “Parenthood” and “Friday Night Lights” writer and producer Jason Katim. Entitled "On the Spectrum," this 30-minute comedy-drama will follow three 20-something roommates who are on the autism spectrum and navigating life’s challenges together.
Most importantly, the television series will feature three actually autistic actors: Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien, and Albert Rutecki.
“Having a 23-year-old son on the spectrum, it is deeply personal for me to get to tell this unique story of what it’s like to come of age as someone with autism,” said Katim in an interview with Deadline.
In the past, I have discussed in length the importance of neurodivergent representation in the workforce and why employers should prioritize hiring neurodivergent talent, and this extends to neurodivergent representation in the media as well.
The truth is, television has not always represented autism in an accurate light and often leans heavily on stereotypes. On shows like "The Good Doctor," the main character, Dr. Shaun Murphy, is an autistic surgeon and has savant-like abilities, a trait only 10 percent of autistic people possess. Storylines featuring autistic characters also often focus on the world's view of them or on the difficulties that neurotypical family members have with accepting their neurodivergent children or siblings, instead of accurately portraying life from an autistic person's perspective.
"Since autism is a spectrum, not every character has represented every single autistic individual, especially autistic people who are nonverbal or do not have savant-like skills," writes Andrea Doten. "But just like representation for POC and LGBTQ people, increasing the number of autistic characters has helped bring more awareness and acceptance of the autistic community over the past several years."
Scientific research supports Doten's theory: watching television shows showcasing autistic characters increases viewers' interest in autism. According to a 2019 study by Stern and Barnes, participants who watched the first 28 minutes of “The Good Doctor” pilot episode were both more interested in learning more about autism and had more positive views of autistic individuals than those who watched a lecture about autism.
Neurodivergent representation in the media helps end stigmas surrounding autism; but, in order to overcome stereotypes (i.e. "autistic individuals cannot express emotions"), it is imperative that these neurodivergent characters are accurate representations and not just caricatures of neurodivergent individuals.
The most effective way to accomplish this is simple: book neurodivergent talent to portray neurodivergent characters. Historically, neurodivergent characters on shows like "The Good Doctor," "Atypical," "The Big Bang Theory," "Bones," and in Sia's new film, Music, have been portrayed by neurotypical actors.
"Actors who play autistic characters, they haven't walked in our shoes because they don't have it themselves," said Kayla Cromer, who portrays Matilda in Freeform's Everything's Gonna Be Okay. "So by incorporating parts of myself into the role, it just makes it more authentic."
In addition to lending her personal experiences to provide an authentic performance, Cromer has also been able to connect with others who find hope and encouragement in her role.
"Hearing them tell their stories, how they're on the spectrum and giving them advice, it can be overwhelming at times, but it's just so rewarding," said Cromer. "So many people say, 'You are giving us a voice. I've waited so many years for an actor on the spectrum to be playing an on-the-spectrum role.'"
If awareness, education, and acceptance is our goal--and it should be--neurodivergent stories should be told by neurodivergent individuals. With the hiring of Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien, and Albert Rutecki for "On the Spectrum," it looks like Hollywood has begun to take notice.
Even if you are not the one making the casting decisions, there are ways you can support neurodivergent talent in your life. When looking for new books to read this winter, consider these titles by neurodivergent writers:
Charlie Jane Anders: The City in the Middle of the Night
Octavia Butler: Kindred
Corinne Duyvis: Otherbound
Helen Hoang: The Kiss Quotient
Dav Pilkey: The Adventures of Captain Underpants