Movie and TV Depictions of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the topic of character portrayals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in film and TV-series. We address this topic by presenting research from the general psychiatric field before we discuss the research on portrayals of characters with ASD. We will also provide the reader with some examples of films and TV-series that have been given particular attention in the popular media and that will be known to many, also outside of the autism community. We address both advantages and disadvantages that are consequences of popular-media portrayals of ASD.