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Pros and Cons of Character Portrayals of Autism on TV and Film

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Abstract

Portrayals of characters with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or with autistic traits on film and in TV-series are increasing. Such portrayals may contribute in increasing awareness of the condition but can also increase stereotypes. Thus, these character portrayals are subject to heated debate within the ASD-community, but also in the general public at large. Following our recent published study on character portrayals of ASD on film and TV we here address some central issues related advantages and disadvantage of such portrayals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1140, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway

    Anders Nordahl-Hansen

  2. Department of Psychology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway

    Roald A. Øien

  3. Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA

    Roald A. Øien

  4. The Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK

    Sue Fletcher-Watson

Authors
  1. Anders Nordahl-Hansen
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  2. Roald A. Øien
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  3. Sue Fletcher-Watson
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Correspondence to Anders Nordahl-Hansen.

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Nordahl-Hansen, A., Øien, R.A. & Fletcher-Watson, S. Pros and Cons of Character Portrayals of Autism on TV and Film. J Autism Dev Disord 48, 635–636 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3390-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3390-z

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