View previous chats on this topic: December 15, 2019 and February 12, 2023.

At a previous chat on autistic characters in fiction, we asked folks what topics they would like to cover in a follow-up chat. Here’s that chat!

“Fiction” here covers books, short stories, TV, movies, etc. #AutChat

Q1: Sometimes a story will portray a nonhuman character as “autistic-coded”. For example, robots, aliens, changelings, etc., might be portrayed with autistic traits. How do you feel about this? Are there specific examples you particularly like or dislike? #AutChat

Q2: Do you see autistic or similarly neurodivergent characters portrayed differently in some genres compared to others? For example, in mysteries vs science fiction vs realistic books, TV, or movies. #AutChat

Q3: Do you know of autistic or similarly neurodivergent characters who share other identities with you? (For example: autistic characters who are women and/or people of color and/or trans and/or…etc) #AutChat

Q4: Have you seen portrayals of autistic characters that strongly resonate with you? Is there anything you would change or add to them to make them even more representative of your experience? #AutChat

Q5: What advice would you give to autistic/neurodivergent authors? To neurotypical authors? To people who are recommending fiction for others to read or watch? #AutChat