Introduction: Autism on Screen
In recent years, television has become a powerful medium for portraying complex human experiences. "The Good Doctor," a popular medical drama, centers around Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome. This narrative decision opens a dialogue about how autism is depicted in media and the societal impressions it fosters. As we delve into whether "The Good Doctor" captures the essence of autism and its multiplicity, we consider critiques, praises, and the overall impact this portrayal has on understanding autism.
The Inspiration Behind 'The Good Doctor'
Origin of The Good Doctor
'The Good Doctor' originated as an adaptation of a South Korean television series of the same name. While the show is not based on a true story, it features the fictional character Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome. This unique characterization allows the series to explore the intersection of exceptional abilities and the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.
Purpose of the show
The primary aim of 'The Good Doctor' is to enhance awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By presenting Dr. Murphy as both a competent professional and a relatable individual, the show challenges existing stereotypes around autism. It endeavors to humanize the autistic experience, promoting empathy and inclusivity towards the neurodiverse community.
Consultation with autism experts
In creating the character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, the show's producers took significant steps to ensure authenticity. They consulted with autism experts and sought input from individuals with autism, broadening the perspective presented in the series. This careful attention to representation is intended to respect the diversity and complexity of autism, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal that goes beyond the traditional boundaries often found in media.
Understanding Dr. Shaun Murphy
What disorders does Dr. Shaun Murphy have in The Good Doctor?
Dr. Shaun Murphy, portrayed by Freddie Highmore in 'The Good Doctor', has autism and savant syndrome. His character exemplifies both the challenges associated with autism, such as difficulties in social interactions and nonverbal communication, as well as remarkable strengths, including exceptional memory and problem-solving abilities.
Character traits of Dr. Shaun Murphy
Shaun is depicted as a dedicated surgical resident who exhibits meticulous attention to detail and a deep passion for medicine. He frequently follows strict routines, like his breakfast preference, indicating a need for structure. His intense focus allows him to notice minute changes in medical readings that others might overlook, showcasing the unique lens through which he perceives the world.
Challenges and strengths portrayed
The show highlights both his struggles, such as navigating complex social cues and sensory sensitivities—like being distracted by buzzing lights—and his extraordinary abilities, consistent with the 'autistic savant' trope. Nevertheless, this portrayal has drawn criticism for reinforcing stereotypes, as many individuals with autism do not exhibit savant talents.
Connection to savant syndrome
While Dr. Murphy's exceptional skills align with the rarity of savant syndrome, it perpetuates misconceptions about the broader autism community. Activists have noted that while the show raises awareness, it often presents a narrow narrative, sidelining varied autistic experiences, especially given the absence of autistic individuals in key production roles.
Actor Freddie Highmore's Journey
Highmore's Personal Insights
Freddie Highmore, who portrays Dr. Shaun Murphy in "The Good Doctor," does not have autism himself. Despite this, he brings a level of personal insight to the role, stemming from family members who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This intimate connection offers him a unique perspective on the intricacies of autism, contributing to a more nuanced performance.
Preparation for the Role
Highmore dedicated significant time to prepare for his portrayal, consulting with autism experts and individuals on the spectrum. He absorbed various perspectives on autism's diverse manifestations, all while aiming for an authentic representation. This included discussions about communication styles, such as Dr. Murphy's preference for declarative statements over questions, mirroring real-life experiences of autistic individuals.
Reception of His Portrayal
Highmore’s performance has received mixed reactions. While many commend his effort to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes, others criticize the representation for being overly focused on the savant syndrome trope. Critics argue that this narrow portrayal doesn't encompass the broader spectrum of autism. Nevertheless, Highmore remains hopeful that his role will promote understanding and acceptance of autism in society.
Does Freddie Highmore have autism?
Freddie Highmore does not have autism. However, he is deeply committed to authentically portraying his character in the television series "The Good Doctor," where he plays a surgeon with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To prepare for this role, Highmore draws on his experiences and knowledge from family members who have autism. This dedication highlights the importance of understanding and accurately representing individuals with autism in media. Additionally, therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) play a significant role in helping children with autism improve communication and social skills, further emphasizing the value of early intervention in supporting those on the spectrum.
The Show's Complex Portrayal of Autism
Authenticity and Inclusivity
The portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy in 'The Good Doctor' offers a mix of authenticity and challenges regarding inclusivity. Freddie Highmore, while an actor without autism, undertook extensive research to represent the character as accurately as possible. His personal insights gleaned from family members with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) informed his performance. However, the series has faced criticism for lacking authenticity in its representation, as it did not include autistic individuals in the primary cast or writing team until recently. The introduction of Kayla Cromer, an autistic actress, as Charlene 'Charlie' Lukaitis in the final season signals a progressive step towards genuine representation, even though some feel that the show still misses the mark in fully capturing the autistic experience.
Critics' and Experts' Opinions
Critics have mixed feelings about 'The Good Doctor.' Some appreciate its efforts in raising awareness about autism and showcasing an autistic character in a professional role, which fosters greater public understanding. However, concerns arise regarding the show's tendency to emphasize the 'autistic savant' trope, suggesting that it portrays autism in overly simplified and stereotypical ways. Activists like Lydia Brown argue that Dr. Shaun Murphy is a representation of a narrow view of autism, resulting in a lack of nuanced perspectives that truly reflect the diversity of experiences among individuals on the spectrum. Critics highlight the need for more comprehensive portrayals that go beyond genius-like attributes to depict a fuller range of challenges faced by autistic people.
Societal Impact
Despite its criticisms, 'The Good Doctor' serves an important function by stimulating conversations around autism awareness. The show reached a vast audience, with over 6 million viewers in the 2022-2023 season, suggesting its significant role in educating the public. A 2019 study showed that watching an episode could lead to more accurate knowledge about autism than academic lectures. This suggests that the series not only entertains but also has the potential to shift societal perceptions and challenge stereotypes, making it crucial for media portrayals of autism to evolve continually. As representation improves with characters like Charlie Lukaitis, there is hope for a broader understanding and acceptance of autistic individuals in society.
Critiques and Praises of Representation
What are some criticisms of The Good Doctor's portrayal of autism?
Critics of The Good Doctor argue that the portrayal of autism, particularly through the character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, tends to rely on stereotypes, most notably the 'savant syndrome.' This creates a misleading narrative about the diversity of autism experiences. The show has been described as presenting a 'cardboard cutout' character that fails to represent the nuanced and complex realities faced by many autistic individuals.
Moreover, the absence of autistic writers and actors in the show's production raises concerns about authenticity in representation. Activist Lydia Brown pointed out the show’s failure to create fully realized autistic characters, suggesting a superficial understanding of autism. Specific scenes have also come under fire for reinforcing problematic stereotypes or inadequately addressing complex social issues like empathy and cultural understanding.
How has the community responded to the portrayal?
Despite these criticisms, there are voices within the autistic community that acknowledge The Good Doctor for sparking discussions about autism. Some praise its intentions in raising awareness and showcasing medical professionals with autism, thereby illustrating that they can lead fulfilling careers. The introduction of Kayla Cromer as Charlene 'Charlie' Lukaitis, an autistic medical student, is seen as a beacon of hope towards improved representation, as her involvement brings authentic experiences to the narrative. Overall, while The Good Doctor has succeeded in generating conversation around autism, many agree that more nuanced, diverse explorations of the autistic experience are necessary.
Public Perception and Autism Awareness
How does The Good Doctor impact public perception of autism?
The Good Doctor impacts public perception of autism by bringing attention to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through its portrayal of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism. The show promotes awareness and empathy, encouraging conversations around the experiences of individuals on the spectrum, while also facing criticism for potentially reinforcing stereotypes. By featuring an autistic character played by an autistic actress, it strives for more authentic representation, which can positively influence viewers' perspectives.
Despite mixed reviews from the autism community, the show showcases both the challenges and strengths associated with autism, helping to dispel misconceptions and highlight diversity within the autism spectrum. This contributes to a more inclusive understanding of autism, influencing societal attitudes and discussions about neurodiversity. Through Dr. Murphy's complex character, audiences gain insight into his unique experiences, fostering empathy and awareness about the realities of living with autism.
Media's role in shaping perceptions
Media plays a vital role in shaping perceptions of autism. Through shows like The Good Doctor, depictions of characters with autism can either challenge or reinforce existing stereotypes. Critics have noted that such portrayals often lean towards representing autism as a superpower, which may not accurately reflect the broader spectrum of autistic experiences.
However, the introduction of characters like Charlene "Charlie" Lukaitis, played by Kayla Cromer, who has autism, signifies a shift towards more authentic representations. This diversification in media representation is essential for changing societal narratives surrounding autism, pushing for narratives that encompass a greater range of autistic life experiences.
Societal reactions
Societal reactions to The Good Doctor have been mixed, with some praising the show for increasing visibility of autism while others criticize its oversimplification of the autistic experience. Many viewers appreciate the character's medical brilliance but express concerns about how it may lead to misconceptions about autism, particularly the misconception that all individuals on the spectrum exhibit exceptional abilities.
Critics emphasize the importance of creating space for more nuanced portrayals of autism that reflect the true diversity within the community. Activists and advocacy groups continue to advocate for authentic representation, pushing for narratives that include various facets of the autistic experience to foster a more robust understanding in society.
| Aspect | Comments | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Impact on awareness | Raises awareness about ASD | Dr. Shaun Murphy's character |
| Media's representation | Shifts towards authentic portrayals | Kayla Cromer as Charlie |
| Societal reactions | Mixed feedback; appreciation mixed with critique | Stereotypes vs. realities |
Incorporating Authentic Representation
Role of autistic actors
The representation of autism in media has significantly evolved, particularly with the inclusion of autistic actors in prominent roles. In "The Good Doctor," the introduction of Kayla Cromer as Charlene "Charlie" Lukaitis marks a notable shift toward authentic representation. Cromer, who has autism, brings lived experience to the character, enhancing the portrayal of autism with genuine insights that often resonate with the autistic community.
Kayla Cromer's contribution
Kayla Cromer's role as Charlie is particularly praised for shedding light on the experiences of autistic individuals. Her presence on the show opens doors for a more informed understanding of autism. By embodying a character who is both multifaceted and relatable, Cromer emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling in media representation. Her performance not only showcases her talent but also serves as a crucial step towards broader acceptance and visibility for autistic individuals in the entertainment industry.
The future of autism portrayal
Despite the positive strides exemplified by Cromer's involvement, discussions around autism representation highlight persisting challenges. Critics argue that while Charlie's character promotes authenticity, the overarching narrative fails to delve deeply into the diverse experiences of those on the spectrum. To advance future portrayals, there is a strong call for more autistic voices in writing rooms and cast selections, creating opportunities for richer storytelling that reflects the true complexity of autism. This push for genuine representation is crucial in breaking stereotypes and fostering a broader understanding of autism in society.
Concluding Thoughts: Beyond the Screen
As "The Good Doctor" navigates its journey in depicting autism and savant syndrome, it continues to draw mixed reactions. While there have been strides toward increasing visibility and empathy towards autism through media, critiques about authenticity and representation persist. Through the fictional character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, the series urges viewers to confront their perceptions of autism, encouraging a deeper understanding and acceptance in society. This portrayal underscores the broader narrative of media's influence on public consciousness and the ongoing need for diverse and genuine representations of neurodiversity. Moving forward, it remains crucial for storytellers to include authentic voices within their narratives, fostering a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of autism on screen.
References
- Unraveling the Character: Is the Good Doctor Really Autistic?
- "the Good Doctor" Goes Viral Amid Criticism of How It Depicts Autism
- Autistic Adults Review The Good Doctor - Autism Ontario
- With New Season, 'The Good Doctor' Adds Character With Autism
- How 'The Good Doctor' developed its main character with autism
- Good Riddance to The Good Doctor | TIME
- Shaun Murphy's Autism Representation - Connect n Care ABA
