The Spectrum of Autistic Portrayals in TV Shows: An In-Depth Analysis

When it comes to depicting autism in television, accuracy can be a fine line to navigate. This detailed exploration delves into the nuances of autism representation on screen, focusing on the portrayal of individuals with autism and how TV shows like The Good Doctor and House MD reflect and sometimes miss the mark in their depictions. Understanding the complexities of autism requires a careful analysis of both the strengths and shortcomings of these nuanced portrayals.

The Evolution of Autism Portrayals

One of the challenges in portraying autism on television lies in the shifting terminology and evolving understanding of the condition. From the obsolete medical term "Asperger's syndrome" to the widespread use of "high functioning autism" (HFA), terminology has evolved significantly. In the context of The Good Doctor, the actor Sean Commerce's portrayal is often praised and critiqued for its accuracy in reflecting the experiences of autistic individuals. However, critics point out that a greater involvement of actual autistic individuals in the writing, production, and directing processes could have significantly improved the overall accuracy of the show.

Accuracy in TV Portrayals of Autism

In The Good Doctor, the main character Shaun Murphy often exhibits behaviors commonly associated with high-functioning autism, such as a sharp focus on solving complex medical cases and a tendency to be blunt without considering social consequences. However, the show occasionally falters in its representation of social interactions, with the romantic subplot being overplayed. Some argue that if the show had integrated more autistic individuals into the cast and crew, it could have portrayed the multidimensional aspects of autism more authentically.

Similarly, House MD has been praised for its subtle portrayal of autistic tendencies, particularly in the character of Dr. House. The show captures the quirky behavior and social awkwardness often associated with autism. However, it also falls short in several areas, such as the character's seemingly unmasked intelligence and the detailed nature of his personal life, which may not accurately reflect the complexities of living with autism. The portrayal of social interactions, including the "deer in the headlights" moments and the struggle with day-to-day social norms, is often deemed more realistic.

Strengths and Limitations

The strengths of these portrayals lie in their ability to capture the spectrum of autistic experiences. Both shows highlight the visualizations, problem-solving skills, and unique perspectives of autistic individuals. The Good Doctor, for instance, accurately portrays the individual's intense focus and the struggle with masking, as well as the social awkwardness and communication difficulties. However, the limitations are more evident in the areas where the social and emotional contexts are not accurately represented, especially in the romantic subplot and the character's personal life.

Conclusion

While TV shows like The Good Doctor and House MD have made strides in accurately portraying autism, there is still a long way to go. The portrayal of autism is a delicate balance, and the involvement of autistic individuals in the writing, production, and directing processes can significantly enhance the accuracy of these depictions. The ongoing evolution of our understanding of autism continues to provide new insights and challenges for filmmakers and writers aiming to create authentic and respectful portrayals.

By acknowledging the strengths and limitations of these portrayals, we can continue to improve the accuracy and representation of autism in television and beyond.