Hey everyone, I'm so sorry for not posting this yesterday I totally forgot 🤦🏼♀️😂. I hope you like todays blog post!!!🤍
As a teen, I've grown up watching shows that feature characters on the autism spectrum, like "The Big Bang Theory" and "Atypical." While both series explore autism in different ways, they often overlook some vital aspects of the autistic experience, especially when it comes to masking—something that affects both girls and boys.
Sheldon’s Textbook Autism:
In "The Big Bang Theory," Sheldon Cooper is often seen as a quintessential example of autism. He’s extremely intelligent but struggles with social interactions and emotional expressions. While his character can be funny and relatable in some ways, I feel it's a bit one-dimensional.
Sheldon reflects some textbook traits of autism, yet his portrayal misses the nuances many of us experience. Autism is often about managing anxiety and sensory overload, which isn’t fully captured in his character.
Sam, Atypical:
Contrastingly, "Atypical" offers a more layered depiction through Sam, who struggles with anxiety and the complexities of relationships. It's refreshing to see a male character grappling with anxiety, as it highlights the internal battles many face.
Sam's journey demonstrates that autism isn’t just about social quirks; it's often entangled with anxiety and the challenges of fitting in. This narrative resonates with many teens, regardless of gender.
The Reality of Masking: Boys and Girls
What's crucial to highlight is the experience of masking, which affects both boys and girls on the spectrum. Many of us learn to hide our autism traits to conform to social norms, and this can be incredibly challenging.
Masking often involves mimicking social cues and suppressing our true selves, whether we’re boys or girls. Both genders experience the pressure to conform, but the portrayal in these shows doesn’t fully capture this reality.
More Diverse Stories:
I feel there's a significant gap in the representation of autistic characters who mask their symptoms. Both "The Big Bang Theory" and "Atypical" focus on male and female characters, yet they don’t address how boys and girls alike navigate the complexities of social interactions while masking their autism traits.
We need stories that reflect the diverse experiences of autistic individuals—those who mask their challenges in different ways, whether in social settings, academic environments, or relationships.
A Call for More Authentic Narratives
As a teen navigating the world, I wish to see more authentic portrayals of autism that include both boys and girls who mask their symptoms. While "The Big Bang Theory" and "Atypical" have their merits, they miss the rich stories of those who experience the pressure of masking and the internal struggles that come with it.
Remember your worth,
Summer-Rose H xxx
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