Title
Creative Intervention
Subtitle
An Autistic Letter to a Neurotypical Friend
Author
Dodman, Elsbeth
Summary
In this heartfelt letter, the author discusses watching a TV show suggested by her friend and featuring an autistic character. Dodman expresses the novelty of seeing autism portrayed on screen and shares her experience with autism literature, expressing discomfort with clinical depictions of autistic people's life and a preference for narratives written by parents. The author highlights the irony of wanting autistic individuals to communicate but not giving them a seat at the table in discussions about autism. Dodman also criticizes the representation of autism in media, emphasizing that it often caters to neurotypical audiences rather than allowing autistic individuals to tell their own stories. The societal narrative around disability is then challenged, advocating for authentic representation and questioning the ethics of non-autistic actors profiting from autistic experiences. The letter concludes with a call for a more inclusive and authentic portrayal of autism in media and society, urging for collaboration with autistic individuals in shaping their own narratives.
Language
English
Subjects
Advocacy
Autistic Adults
Social Engagement
Neurodiversity
Publisher
Studies in Social Justice, Volume 16, Issue 2, 474-477.
DateModified
11/22/2023 4:15 PM EST