Tharian, Priyanka Rebecca, Henderson, Sadie, Wathanasin, Nataya, Hayden, Nikita, Chester, Verity and Tromans, Samuel (2019) Characters with autism spectrum disorder in fiction : where are the women and girls? Advances in Autism, 5 (1). pp. 50-63. doi:10.1108/AIA-09-2018-0037 ISSN 2056-3868.
Preview |
PDF
WRAP-characters-autism-spectrum-disorder-fiction-women-girls-Hayden-2019.pdf - Accepted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Purpose
Fiction has the potential to dispel myths and helps improve public understanding and knowledge of the experiences of under-represented groups. Representing the diversity of the population allows individuals to feel included, connected with and understood by society. Whether women and girls with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are adequately and accurately represented in fictional media is currently unknown. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Internet and library searches were conducted to identify female characters with ASD in works of fiction. Examples of such works were selected for further discussion based on their accessibility, perceived historical and cultural significance and additional characteristics that made the work particularly meaningful.
Findings
The search highlighted a number of female characters with ASD across a range of media, including books, television, film, theatre and video games. Many were written by authors who had a diagnosis of the condition themselves, or other personal experience. Pieces largely portrayed characters with traits that are highly recognised within the academic literature. However, some also appeared to endorse outdated myths and stereotypes. Existing works appear to preferentially portray high functioning autistic women, with limited representation of those whom also have intellectual disability.
Originality/value
This is the first exploration of the depiction of ASD in females within fiction. There is a need for more works of fiction responsibly depicting females with ASD, as this can help reduce stigma, develop public awareness and recognition and increase representation.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare R Medicine > RC Internal medicine R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Autism spectrum disorders, Women with mental disabilities -- In literature, Women with mental disabilities -- In motion pictures, Asperger's syndrome, Neurodevelopmental treatment, Women with mental disabilities -- In popular culture, Girls -- Mental health |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Advances in Autism |
| Publisher: | Emerald Publishing |
| ISSN: | 2056-3868 |
| Official Date: | 12 March 2019 |
| Dates: | Date Event 12 March 2019 Published 2 January 2019 Accepted |
| Volume: | 5 |
| Number: | 1 |
| Page Range: | pp. 50-63 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/AIA-09-2018-0037 |
| Status: | Peer Reviewed |
| Publication Status: | Published |
| Access rights to Published version: | Restricted or Subscription Access |
| Date of first compliant deposit: | 23 December 2019 |
| Date of first compliant Open Access: | 23 December 2019 |
| URI: | https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/120420/ |
Request changes or add full text files to a record
Repository staff actions (login required)
 |
View Item |