What Makes a Character Coded as Autistic?

If you’ve ever noticed certain traits or behaviors in a fictional character that seem to align with those commonly seen in individuals with autism, you may be looking at what’s known as autism coding. This practice involves the crafting of a character with specific behaviors, patterns, or traits that are reminiscent of those within the autism spectrum, even if the character isn’t identified as autistic.

Identifying Autism Coding

Several traits are often associated with autism coding. These include:

    • Shyness: Autistic coded characters may be depicted as introverted or socially withdrawn.
    • Hyperfixations: Characters might display intense focuses on specific topics or interests, reminiscent of the passionate preoccupations sometimes seen in those on the autism spectrum.
    • Obliviousness to Social Cues: A common trait is characters missing or misunderstanding common social cues.
    • Atypical Eye Contact: This might manifest as avoiding eye contact altogether or maintaining it to an uncomfortable degree.
    • Emotional Misunderstanding: Characters may demonstrate confusion or misunderstanding when it comes to reading or expressing emotions.
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Recognized Examples of Autism Coding

Examples of autistic coded characters in popular media include:

    • Sheldon Cooper from “Young Sheldon” and “Big Bang Theory”
    • Donatello from “Teenage Ninja Turtles”
    • Peter Parker from “Spiderman”
    • Wednesday Addams from “Wednesday”

The autistic robot trope, wherein a robot character exhibits traits associated with autism, is commonly used to draw a parallel between the robot’s experiences and the human condition.

Why Autism Coding is Endemic in Media

Autism coding is prevalent in media for various reasons. Writers often utilize universal character archetypes and associated traits that, intentionally or not, coincide with behaviors associated with autism. Coding is a means to signal the role characters play in the narrative. The use of autism coding can inadvertently lead to the “othering” of characters, which introduces stereotypes and can result in protective responses from audiences when characteristics are identified as representative of autism.

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Common Misconceptions and Controversies

Autism coding is surrounded by various misconceptions and occasional controversy. Some audiences resist associating beloved characters with autism, sometimes defending the character’s traits as merely ‘quirky’ or ‘weird’ rather than recognizing them as potential indicators of autism. The reason for such reactions lies within the prevailing societal stigma around autism.

A Lack of Confirmed Autistic Characters

Despite the prevalence of autism coding, there is a dearth of characters that are explicitly confirmed as being autistic. Media companies often steer clear of explicit representation of autism, possibly for fear of alienating their audience or damaging their brand. In instances where a character’s autism is acknowledged, it’s often done subtly or indirectly, without explicit on-screen diagnosis.

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Conclusions

Autism coding plays a significant role in today’s media. It often serves as a discrete way to represent characters on the autism spectrum when direct representation is lacking. Although the practice can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes or result in the “othering” of these characters, it also promotes representation and foster understanding, bridging the gap between the fictional worlds and the reality of diverse human experiences.

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