JADE Student Edition 2019 JADE JSLUG 2019 | Page 22

Article #3 The Presentation of Asperger’s Syndrome in Television Dramas: What can be done to Improve the Scope of Representation? The Presentation of Asperger’s Syndrome in Television Dramas: What can be done to Improve the Scope of Representation? Author Abstract Asperger’s Syndrome - a high-functioning form of Autism Spectrum Condition - is commonly used in television to provide an ‘alternative’ personality type with whom other characters can interact. Despite this, many viewers diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome continue to feel under-represented and negatively stereotyped by the media. This article examines the characters of Max Braverman in NBC’s Parenthood and Karla Bentham in BBC drama Waterloo Road, analysing the negative impact media stereotypes can have on the lives of those with Autism Spectrum Conditions and seeking to find ways in which the autistic community could be better represented by television dramas. Ultimately, it concludes by arguing that more positive representation can be achieved through a focus on the experiences of the autistic individual themselves, as well as through acknowledgement of the differences in the behaviours and personalities of all individuals on the Autistic Spectrum. Autistic individuals are as unique as everybody else, and by moving from a focus on the condition to a focus on the human being, we can use popular media to build a much more representative and inclusive society. Author: Shaina Paggett Keywords: Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Television, Representation, Neurodiversity Key Phrases: Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, Television, Representation, Neurodiversity Introduction For many years, television executives have used high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders such as Asperger’s Syndrome to provide an alternative personality type with whom other characters can interact. Often, these characters are immediately recognisable as different, and share common traits which remind the viewer of their differences every time they are on screen. Though it may initially seem that these kinds of representations are beneficial to the autistic community due to raising awareness of the condition, when one considers the nature of these portrayals, another picture begins to emerge. Though the potential these television programmes have to make a positive impact is great, it is hindered by repetitive portrayals of the condition which often focus on the inability of the autistic individual to assimilate into society. With a focus on NBC drama 22