Buzz
With quarantines and self-isolation becoming the new norm, there’s an abundance of time for binge-watching TV shows and movies—and critically analyzing them. While some are designed purely for entertainment, others aim to educate viewers subtly, with each episode offering insights.
This list dispels 10 common myths about people on the autism spectrum, myths that are continuously challenged by characters from movies and TV shows like Rain Man, Atypical, and The Good Doctor.
10. People with Autism Don’t Desire Friendships
This assumption couldn’t be more wrong. Many believe that individuals with autism have no interest in forming friendships or close relationships due to their difficulty in expressing themselves as freely as neurotypical people. In reality, it simply takes longer for them to develop the social skills needed for meaningful interaction.
Early social interaction is crucial. Much like anyone who has close friendships, individuals on the autism spectrum benefit from these bonds, especially when faced with bullying at school or in the workplace.
In the TV show Atypical, 18-year-old Sam Gardner lives with autism spectrum disorder. Zahid, a fellow teenager who works with Sam at Techtropolis, looks beyond his quirks, and the two form a close friendship.
They discuss girls, shop for clothes to impress them, and share stories about their respective crushes. While it may seem superficial due to the constant focus on girls, their bond is deep. Both accept each other unconditionally, flaws and all.
9. Autistic People Don’t Feel Empathy
Fans of The Big Bang Theory have long speculated that Sheldon Cooper might be autistic due to his apparent lack of empathy. In reality, many people mistakenly believe that individuals with autism lack empathy altogether, even labeling autism as the 'empathy disorder.'
As Sheldon frequently points out in The Big Bang Theory, it’s not that he lacks empathy; it’s just that he struggles to pick up on social cues and respond in the expected way. This doesn’t mean he’s devoid of empathy.
In The Good Doctor, Dr. Shaun Murphy is diagnosed with both autism spectrum disorder and savant syndrome. While expressing his emotions can be challenging, his actions clearly demonstrate his deep empathy for his patients, going above and beyond to care for and diagnose them.
A powerful quote from Kerry Magro, an author on the autism spectrum, perfectly encapsulates the show's message: 'Shaun and I are not defined by our diagnosis.'
8. People with Autism Don’t Experience Emotions
Having autism or being on the autism spectrum does not make someone incapable of feeling or recognizing emotions. People with autism simply react to emotions differently from others and express their own emotions in unique ways.
In the film Rain Man, Dustin Hoffman delivered a performance as an 'autistic savant' that was so heartfelt, it has remained a defining portrayal of autism in Hollywood for over 30 years. Hoffman plays Raymond, a character with remarkable mathematical and memory abilities, but struggles with picking up social cues and processing sensory information.
Hoffman prepared for his role by immersing himself in scientific literature on autism and savants, spending hours watching related footage, and consulting with psychiatrists to gather personal insights about the condition.
The outcome was a character who, despite expressing emotions differently than most people, still conveyed deep feelings. For example, when Raymond experiences distress, his response is more childlike due to his limited understanding of complex subjects, despite his impressive memory. Nevertheless, the emotional depth is undeniable, just as strong as it would be in anyone else.
7. They Are Unable to Learn
A common misconception is that individuals on the autism spectrum are incapable of learning, but studies have repeatedly demonstrated that there is no fundamental difference in learning abilities between those with autism and those without. People on the spectrum simply learn in a different way.
In the series Atypical, Sam Gardner shows how he navigates the real world in his own unique way. In the episode “Sam Takes A Walk,” his mother recalls a family board game she created to help Sam learn how to manage everyday situations, such as what to do when a dog barks or how to board a bus.
6. They Are All Intellectually Disabled
Not every person on the autism spectrum has extraordinary abilities like the character in Rain Man with remarkable memory and math skills. In fact, it’s a misconception to assume they are all intellectually disabled. While about half of those on the spectrum may have some intellectual challenges, many excel in areas such as music or other disciplines, and possess high IQs.
Dr. Shaun Murphy, a character portrayed as highly skilled and competent despite his social awkwardness and the earlier mentioned “perceived lack of empathy,” reflects real-life experiences as well.
Hans Christian Andersen, one of the most cherished fairy tale writers in history, was believed to be on the autism spectrum. Likewise, Susan Boyle, who is autistic, made a memorable mark on *Britain's Got Talent* with her breathtaking performance of 'I Dreamed A Dream.' Tim Burton, an incredibly successful film director, is also on the autism spectrum.
5. They Are All Savants
This is the converse of the previous myth and also untrue. As highlighted earlier, many individuals on the autism spectrum possess high levels of intelligence. However, only a select few are true savants, such as Raymond in *Rain Man*.
In *Atypical*, Sam Gardner is depicted as an exceptionally intelligent individual, but not a savant. This reflects the reality for many intelligent autistic people, who go on to pursue careers in fields such as medicine, law, filmmaking, acting, and beyond, without developing savant traits. Autistic people, once again, exhibit a wide range of abilities.
4. They Cannot Be Gainfully Employed
This myth should never have existed in the first place. It should not require a TV show to disprove such misconceptions. As previously mentioned, both Sam from *Atypical* and Shaun from *The Good Doctor* are employed.
The real challenge for many individuals on the autism spectrum when it comes to employment is the need to go through more tests and evaluations than other employees. Employment agencies are still in the process of learning how to connect their autistic clients with appropriate job opportunities and help them thrive.
Steve Jobs, a prominent example of an autistic individual, became one of the most successful people in history. Autism should never be a reason for employers to turn down a candidate, especially when the job requirements align with the person’s skills and strengths.
3. Autism Is Rare
Some people consider autism to be an oddity or something rare, as though it’s something to fear. However, studies estimate that 1 in 54 eight-year-old children are on the autism spectrum. Some of these children may outgrow the condition as they mature, no longer showing any symptoms.
TV shows like *Atypical* and *The Good Doctor* aim to educate the public on various aspects of autism, helping to dispel the myth that it is an uncommon condition. People with autism should not be stigmatized, and children should never face bullying because of it.
2. Bad Parenting Causes Autism
If any character were to debunk this myth, it would be Elsa from *Atypical*. Elsa is Sam Gardner's mother, and she is an incredibly loving and dedicated parent, doing everything in her power to support him.
She shares a much closer bond with her son than her husband Doug does. When Doug and Sam start connecting, it leads to Elsa having an affair, but her deep love and connection with Sam remain unaffected.
After being forced out of her home by her husband, Elsa spends her first night away from Sam since his birth, tossing and turning restlessly. Among her many activities, Elsa attends a weekly autism support group and is far more understanding and accepting of her son’s diagnosis than anyone else in her life.
While some children and teenagers on the autism spectrum may have difficult or uninvolved parents, it is important to note that bad parenting is not the cause of the diagnosis.
1. Autism Is Caused By Vaccinations
One of the most harmful myths that refuses to go away is the idea that vaccines cause autism. Although the true cause of autism remains unknown, researchers believe that factors such as genetics, exposure to toxic substances, and differences in brain structure might contribute to the condition.
The unfounded rumor that vaccines might cause autism stemmed from a 1998 study that suggested a link between the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine or the measles virus itself and the disorder. However, it was soon revealed that the study was based on falsified data, and the doctor who led the research lost his medical license. Despite this, the myth still persists.
The medical journal that initially published the study later retracted the paper, but this did little to quell the controversy. Despite repeated assurances from experts that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism, some parents continue to reject immunization for their children.
*Rain Man*, *Atypical*, and *The Good Doctor* do not suggest in any way that the autistic characters in these works developed their conditions due to problematic vaccinations.
