SHE'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT": AUTISM-SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN PRIMETIME TV DRAMAS

There is an increasing recognition of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) across the media landscape, particularly on television. The bulk of American primetime TV is made up of character-driven dramas, and these dramas have begun to more frequently include depictions of characters with ASDs. The present study examines some depictions of well-known characters exhibiting ASD characteristics in popular TV dramas. Results from this sample, which include characters from Alphas, Fringe, and Grey's Anatomy, indicate that ASD-identified characters continue to be stereotyped and marginalized, with special emphasis placed on their "savant-like" skills, social dysfunction, and inability to function without caregivers. Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): primetime television; social dysfunction; savants; caregivers; stereotyping