Exploring Media Portrayals of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Considering past evidence highlighting the role of media portrayal in shaping community attitudes towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), we analyzed depictions of IDD in seven television shows and three movies. Characters with IDD were coded based on categories representing (a) their attributes (demographic, disability-related, and personality), (b) the salience of IDD and character with IDD, (c) treatment by other characters, and (d) quality of life. The majority of the characters were White and male, and persons with IDD played characters with visible disabilities. Characters with IDD were often bullied, but most were portrayed as having a strong support system and a good quality of life. Themes are discussed in the context of implications and methodological limitations.