Neurotypical Peers’ Responses to the Dysregulation of Individuals with ASD in the Movies.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is associated with a variety of public opinions and beliefs, formed by exposure to individuals with the diagnosis, and representation in the media. To date, the representation of neurotypical peers’ responses to individuals with ASD has not been studied in the media. The present study aims to examine how neurotypical individuals’ responses to the emotional and behavioral dysregulation of their peers with ASD are portrayed in the movies of the last decade. Four movies depicting people of four different age groups were selected to be analyzed, and the scenes portraying interactions between individuals with ASD and neurotypical peers, in which either emotional or behavioral dysregulation was exhibited, were recorded and coded for type of dysregulation and nature and valence of peer response. Results showed that there was nearly an equal representation of the positive and negative peer responses, and some similar patterns in the interactions were found as well. Inconsistencies in the movie genre, the severity of autism symptoms, and the limited amount of the movies studied are potential limitations of the study. Future research is needed to understand how the depiction of interactions with people with ASD can influence public opinions and what educational role it can play.