That's NOT Me: Overcoming The Media's Influence On The Autistic Stereotype

When people hear the word "autism," lots of generalities come to the mind of a person who does not know an individual on the spectrum. In the past five years, these generalities and stereotypes have taken on a violent and dangerous tone. Educate yourself as a parent, professional, or individual on the spectrum as to what you can do to help promote the reality of autism. The origin of the autistic stereotype lies in the first gestalt diagnosis from Asperger. He diagnosed the first children on the spectrum based on their behaviors. In film, characters with disabilities have historically been portrayed in a negative context as either helpless or dangerous. These are the messages, conscious or unconsciously, we are surrounded by on a daily basis. Many studies have shown the media is able to influence our opinions and perceptions. So to what extent has the media influence the perpetuation of the autistic stereotype and what can be done to modify it?

In the past year, there has been a drastic switch from the “nerdy” individual on the Autism spectrum stereotype to the “dangerous” person stereotype. This change is the product of scare tactics used by people in the media seeking answers to questions that may be forever unanswered. How has this change affected the autism community?

Negatively.

Not only have relationships with others been damaged by these harmful stereotypes, but at the individual level there is also stress.

This session with provide participants with the tools needed to help rebuild  relationships in communities that have been damaged by this misinformation.

Part self-advocacy workshop and part awareness, this presentation is very much needed in the current political climate. As parents have their children newly diagnosed, there is now a sense of fear that was not evident a few years ago. This is one of those presentations to help guide new parents in how to explain that their exceptional child is of no risk to the community at large. This presentation will also help those on the spectrum embrace themselves more and learn how to navigate this social minefield. For professionals, it will give them a glimpse of what it is like to have people already make judgments about their person based solely on a DSM diagnosis. For an invisible disability, there is a publicity of Autism never before seen.

This presentation is for parents, professionals, individuals on the spectrum, or anyone who has ever had to deal with the question, “Autism. You mean like Rain Man?”

There has not been a presentation, to my knowledge, about how to address and overcome these new autistic stereotypes. As a person on the spectrum who has had to have difficult conversations about this very topic, I know I have been gifted with the ability to eloquently convey facts without being overly emotional. I would really be honored if I was given the chance to help provide others with the tools needed to shine a positive light on the entire Autism community.

This presentation is based on my College senior thesis, a culmination of four years of work.