Discussions around autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have gained popularity within social culture in the past few years. It can be hard to know what information to trust and what information is misguided. In my opinion, the best way to learn about the autistic experience is from those with autism. Autism is such a diverse life experience that affects each person with ASD differently. The purpose of this blog is to highlight autistic voices in the media to learn from and to weaken stigma/stereotypes around the Autistic community.
In this blog, we will explore the experiences and work of different individuals in the media to learn from those who understand the experience best: people with autism.
TED talk: The autism spectrum isn’t what you think it is
You may recognize Chloe Hayden from the T.V. show from the popular Netflix show “Heartbreak High”, where she plays an character with autism named Quinni. Like the character she plays, Hayden is also diagnosed with ASD.
Hayden delivers an insightful TED talk providing an inside look at the internal experiences of autistic individuals, while emphasizing the importance of centering individuals with autism in conversations around autism. I would recommend this TED talk to anyone looking for a general overview of the autistic experience in a creative and entertaining approach.
Eva Erikson from Survivor: Season 48
Eva Erikson is the first openly autistic contestant in Survivor history, and captured the hearts of viewers around the country with her authentic and refreshing persona for reality T.V.. Her purpose in becoming a contestant was to gain visibility for the autistic community and change perceptions around autism, which she succeeded beautifully. She showed how autism can also look like a contestant on Survivor, a PhD from Brown, captain of the hockey team, and much more.
Not only does this season of Survivor provide visibility for the autistic community, but it also provides a great example of how to provide support for individuals with autism. Erikson’s platonic relationship with other contestant Joe Hunter stole the hearts of viewers due to the trust Erikson had to disclose her autism to a competitor and the support Hunter provided Erikson throughout her time on Survivor. Most importantly, it shows how to support individuals with autism while treating them as equals. The bond between the two is a special representation of humanity and a connection we can all learn from. Watch episode 5 in season 48 of Survivor to watch how Hunter supports Erikson during one of the challenges where she has a rough time with her autism during one of the challenges.
Love on the Spectrum U.S.
Love on the Spectrum is a Netflix dating documentary-style show that provides autistic adults with support in building romantic relationships with other autistic adults. Not only does it explore dating through an autistic perspective, but provides excellent examples of supportive and accepting family structures for adults with autism. Love on the spectrum captured hearts all over America and beyond by its genuine depiction of life that’s different, but equal nonetheless. It gives people a chance to witness how similar we all truly are, no matter the struggles we face in life. The show successfully changed the way society treats and perceives autistic experiences in media.
The cast from Love on the Spectrum have carried the mission of Love on the Spectrum to their personal lives outside the show, advocating for the autistic community and sharing their stories with fans. Cast members have gone along to get engaged, create engaging social media platforms, release children’s books, advocate for new laws protecting individuals with autism, and other incredible things on top of their already existing successes prior to the show. Cast members show the public that autism looks different for every individual with autism, and prove that they are capable just like everyone else.
Please be aware that although these sources show the autistic experience of some individuals with autism, it does not represent autism for all. Autism is an extremely complex and diverse world that is still changing as science advances, and every person with autism requires different levels of support. Autism is not a disease; it looks different in every person, which should always be considered when researching autism. My advice is it is best to look at autism as something to continuously get to know rather than something to entirely understand. I recommend looking into these different examples to gain an understanding of the unique experience of individuals with autism.
Gwen Ulfig – Volunteer Writer