SEND Society On Film, TV and Neurodiversity

Header image shows Alleyn's School flying the Pride Disability flag to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week the Alleyn's SEND Society hosted a captivating workshop shedding light on the portrayal of neurodiversity in film and television. Led by India in Year 13, the session delved into the often narrow representation of neurodiverse individuals, as well as pointing out the underrepresentation of women in this narrative.

Participants scrutinized prevalent stereotypes surrounding autism, noting how films frequently depict individuals with the condition as either possessing exceptional abilities or struggling with social interactions. Clips from works including Rain Man, The Good Doctor, The Big Bang Theory and Forest Gump were examined with insights revealing how neurodiversity is not always explicitly acknowledged, how neurodiverse characters are less likely to be protagonists and are represented through a neurotypical lens, and how neurodiversity is sometimes played for laughs or to support a neurotypical character's story arc.

The observation around the disproportionate male representation in neurodiversity portrayals raised questions about inclusivity, and the need for broader and more accurate representation in media. The workshop addressed the harmful impact of negative portrayals that show autistic people as a burden or difficult to be around, and called for more authentic and respectful depictions to foster understanding and acceptance in society at large.

India signposted the concept of "head canon", highlighting the significance of fan interpretations in enriching character portrayals. Examples of shows like "Heartbreak High" and "Front of the Class" were shared, showcasing more nuanced and positive representations of neurodiversity.

The workshop, part of Alleyn's Neurodiversity Celebration Week, provided a thought-provoking platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection, following closely on the heels of Tuesday's joint SEND Society and MSU discussion on masking and code-switching.

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