What’s Wrong With Max?Parenthoodand the Portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Disability scholars have long called for better representations of disability in popular culture, particularly in cinema and television. These pleas have resulted in a robust body of research across multiple disciplines critiquing the portrayal of mental and physical disabilities. Whether producers of popular culture have paid attention to these appeals remains uncertain. This study explores a salient topic in disability discourse, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), as presented through a popular television program in the U.S. The findings reveal disembodied portrayals of ASDs that focus on isolation and fear, with more emphasis on familial and societal concern than individual perspectives. These representations stress the anxiety of those perceived to be most affected by the diagnosis rather than the diagnosed individuals themselves and do little to improve upon on portrayals of disability in popular culture.