Why 'The Good Doctor' Is Bad Medicine for Autism
On #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, three experts explain what Hollywood gets wrong about the complex and widespread disorder https://t.co/7dDs1gj7Xq
- Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 2, 2018
April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.
3 experts explain what Hollywood gets wrong about this complex and widespread disorder :
• Dr. Shaun Murphy (ABC’s The Good Doctor) is the poster boy of “Hollywood Autism.”
• theoretical physicist Sheldon Cooper (CBS’ The Big Bang Theory) and Sherlock Holmes (BBC’s Sherlock).
• Autistic people are almost always portrayed as awkward white male geniuses.
• Autism is more than awkwardness, and savant skills are seldom seen in real life.
• Film and TV repeatedly depict autism as a sort of disability “superpower.”
• Hollywood depictions underscore the false belief that autistic people only have value if they have savant skills.
• Autistic characters who are also female or people of color are exceedingly rare.
• Leaving many behind, such as those who require 24-hour supervision in group homes or assistance from home health aides.
• There’s more than one end to the autism spectrum.
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