Autism Representation in Media: Some Recommendations

Hey guys how’s it going? It is Autism Acceptance Month this month so because of it, I am going to give you guys some recommendations of a variety of media (I wish there were some manga and anime that I was able to recommend but unfortunately not at this time. Also, I apologize it seems I have read more than I have watched with this) These also hold a special place in my heart so I hope you get some recommendations. Onto the media!

Novels

Queens of Geek by Jen Wilde

This book was the one that actually showed me my first teen representation of Autism. In this particular story, one of the characters has Asperger’s Syndrome which is the highest functioning part of the Autism Spectrum. They also have a Generalized Anxiety Disorder which after reading this, I didn’t know that sometimes Anxiety and Autism go hand in hand. This book has this information plus a romance and convention setting. If those things interest you, check this book out.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves

For this particular novel, the Autism Spectrum Disorder aspect could be a bit spoilery??? So I apologize in advance. This discusses an adult being tested because of their unknown social anxiety tendencies but also it has a college/adult romance involved also. There is also a lot more involved such as the aftermath of 9/11, difficult friendship/relationships and a traumatic pregnancy. If these aspects fascinate you, please check this book out.

Always Only You by Chloe Liese

This book is the latest novel that I have read with Autism representation and I feel upon reflection, that this book has both the positive and negative aspects of the previous books I have mentioned. There’s teen representation as well as adult representation with Autism, there’s newly diagnosed but also someone who has known who they are pretty much all their life, and also there’s a physical disability representation of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well. I think if you are looking for a well-rounded adult Autistic romance, you would enjoy this book very much. I know for sure its mine.

TV Show

Atypical

This show could have gone one of two ways for me personally; it could have made the main character who has Autism Spectrum Disorder too stereotypical in the symptoms and the way they navigate the world, and they could have made him the butt of everyone’s jokes along with his family. Thankfully though, that did not happen although there are some jokes that are sprinkled in that some people might find offensive but otherwise I love this series and how the characters deepen throughout the series. There is also a lot of navigation that every character goes through especially the one who has Autism. If this interests you, please check this out on Netflix.

Movie

The Other Sister

This movie came out in 1999, a time where Autism in media was not very common. I watched this when I was young and it was the first movie I saw any representation of an adult who had Autism tell their family “I want to be independent, I want to do everything my sisters do and fall in love etc.” It can be hilarious but also heartbreaking at the same time. If you want to see a guy totally worship a girl and the navigation through an adult with special needs gaining independence, this movie is for you.

Conclusion

Overall, these are the recommendations that I hold in my heart for Autism Acceptance Month. I honestly wish there were more movies and shows that I have watched that didn’t make me cringe when I watched or that are easily accessible(unfortunately not that I know of). However, like with the disorder itself no two people with Autism are the same so it should be reflective upon the media we consume of it. Have you read or watched any of these? Will you now that I have recommended them?? Do you have any more recommendations?? Let’s talk about it and Happy Autism Acceptance Month!