(Autistic) Girls on Film? An Analysis of Autistic Female Characters in Media and Fan Interpretations

• By: Emily “Ly” Stewart, BA(Hons), MSc Media Psychology Graduate and Journalist
• October 2nd, 2023
• actually autistic, actually autistic female characters, authenticity, Fall 2023 Issue, fan interpretations, female autism phenotype theory, female representation, gender expectations, headcannoning, identification, media portrayal, relationships, social skills, special interests, stereotypes, TV and film
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Contrary to popular belief, autistic characters in TV and film are nothing new. The first instance of an autistic person being portrayed o-screen is popularly believed to be Amanda from the 1969 crime drama Change of Habit, starring Elvis Presley and Tyler Moore. Initially, the little girl is...