Representation of autism in fictional media: A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of autism.

ABSTRACT:

Lay abstract

The way autism is represented in fictional media can impact people's views of autistic people. For example, representations may contribute to negative views of autistic people as being unusual or dangerous, or they may challenge stereotypes and instead highlight the strengths of autistic people. This work aimed to review previous research to understand how autistic people have been represented in fictional media (Part A). It also sought to understand whether viewing fictional portrayals of autism has an impact on people's knowledge of autism and attitudes towards autistic people (Part B). Of 14 studies that were included in Part A, several unhelpful and stereotypical portrayals of autism emerged. Positive portrayals were those that highlighted the strengths of autistic

SUBMITTER: Jones SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10576905 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature