Television and film can be powerful tools for raising awareness and shaping public understanding, especially around nuanced topics like autism. One popular show, The Good Doctor, has ignited discussion around its portrayal of autism through Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome. This portrayal has resonated with many viewers and has stirred conversation on how accurately autism is represented on screen and the effects this representation has on public perception.
In this blog, we will dive into the character of Dr. Shaun Murphy, analyze the portrayal of autism in The Good Doctor, and explore the broader impact of such representations on society and the autism community.
Understanding Autism in The Good Doctor
Dr. Shaun Murphy, portrayed by actor Freddie Highmore, is introduced as a highly skilled surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome. Savant syndrome, a rare condition that affects some individuals with developmental disorders, is characterized by extraordinary skills in specific areas, such as mathematics or memory, while other skills may remain underdeveloped. Dr. Murphy’s remarkable medical knowledge, observational skills, and precision in surgery are his greatest strengths, yet he also faces challenges in social interactions, sensory processing, and non-verbal cues, which are often associated with autism.
The show attempts to blend Shaun’s exceptional medical skills with the realities of living with autism, aiming to shed light on both the strengths and challenges of autism. However, as we examine the portrayal, it’s important to recognize that autism is a spectrum, and no one character can encapsulate the full range of experiences.
Positive Aspects of Autism Representation in The Good Doctor
There are several aspects of The Good Doctor that highlight the positive potential of television representations of autism, including:
1. Raising Awareness of Autism and Savant Syndrome
By centering a major television show on a lead character with autism, The Good Doctor brings awareness to the general public about autism spectrum disorder, especially in a professional, high-stakes setting like a hospital. For many viewers who may not be familiar with autism, Dr. Murphy provides an entry point to learn more about what autism is and how it can vary in its presentation.
2. Highlighting Strengths and Challenges
Shaun’s character brings attention to the unique strengths that can accompany autism, such as acute attention to detail, logical problem-solving, and an ability to remain focused on specific tasks. The show illustrates that people with autism have valuable skills and contributions to make, challenging stereotypes about the limitations often associated with autism.
3. Creating Compassionate Dialogue
The show also depicts how Dr. Murphy’s colleagues interact with him, ranging from supportive relationships to moments of misunderstanding and tension. This invites viewers to consider how people with autism experience social dynamics in the workplace and underscores the importance of understanding, accommodation, and respect.
Critiques of Autism Representation in The Good Doctor
While The Good Doctor has received praise for bringing autism to mainstream television, it has also faced some critiques. A few aspects of Shaun’s portrayal that have sparked discussion include:
1. Stereotyping Autism
Dr. Murphy is portrayed with both autism and savant syndrome, which is relatively rare. This can reinforce a stereotype that individuals with autism possess extraordinary skills or "superpowers." In reality, savant syndrome is uncommon within the autism community, and most individuals with autism do not exhibit the type of extreme abilities seen in Dr. Murphy. Relying on this representation can lead to unrealistic expectations and may minimize the everyday experiences and challenges of people with autism who do not have such rare abilities.
2. Lack of Actor Authenticity
Freddie Highmore, a neurotypical actor, plays Dr. Murphy, a casting choice that has led to discussions on the need for actors with autism to portray autistic characters. Many in the autism community feel that casting neurotypical actors misses the opportunity to offer authentic representation and deny actors with autism the chance to share their lived experience. Authenticity in representation can help create deeper understanding, as actors with autism bring their own experiences and perspectives to roles.
3. Oversimplification of Social and Communication Challenges
Dr. Murphy’s social challenges, while present, are sometimes depicted as easily manageable or even glossed over for the sake of the plot. In reality, social communication difficulties can be a significant challenge for people with autism, and these issues often extend beyond misunderstandings or blunt statements. Some critics feel that the show simplifies these challenges, potentially downplaying the difficulties that many individuals with autism face in navigating complex social interactions.
The Broader Impact of Autism Representation in Media
The impact of The Good Doctor extends beyond the portrayal of a single character. It reflects a broader trend in media toward incorporating neurodiverse characters and encouraging audiences to explore different ways of thinking and interacting with the world.
1. Shaping Public Perception
Because television can be a primary source of information for many people, shows like The Good Doctor have a responsibility to portray autism in a way that’s both respectful and informative. While the show has opened doors for conversations around autism, it also risks creating a narrow understanding of autism if viewers interpret Shaun’s portrayal as representative of all individuals on the spectrum. More varied and nuanced portrayals of autism in media can help break down stereotypes and foster a more comprehensive understanding.
2. The Importance of Diverse Autistic Characters
Having a single, highly specific portrayal of autism can perpetuate misunderstandings about the diversity of the autism spectrum. When media features a broader range of characters with different autism experiences—such as individuals with varying communication abilities, sensory preferences, and learning styles—it encourages greater awareness and empathy for the full spectrum of autism.
3. Influencing Workplace Inclusion
Since Dr. Murphy’s story takes place in a professional environment, The Good Doctor also has the potential to influence workplace perspectives on hiring and inclusion. Seeing Shaun’s strengths and challenges portrayed on screen may inspire employers to consider how they can create supportive work environments that allow people with autism to thrive, promoting inclusivity and accommodations in the workplace.
How The Good Doctor Can Continue to Evolve Autism Representation
To continue fostering understanding and respect for autism, The Good Doctor can benefit from evolving its approach to autism representation. Some potential steps could include:
Expanding Shaun’s Character Development
As the series progresses, showing a broader range of Shaun’s experiences with autism could help deepen the audience’s understanding. This might involve depicting different sensory sensitivities, showing his perspective on navigating changes, or highlighting how he adapts to new environments and routines.
Introducing Additional Autistic Characters
Adding other characters with autism could provide a more well-rounded representation of the autism spectrum. These characters could display different traits or abilities, highlighting that no two individuals with autism are the same and helping audiences move away from one-dimensional portrayals.
Involving Autism Consultants
Consulting individuals with autism and autism advocacy groups can help ensure that the character of Dr. Murphy remains both authentic and respectful. Collaborating with autistic individuals can enhance storylines, improve character depth, and ensure that the show continues to promote a positive and realistic representation of autism.
Conclusion: The Power of Media in Representing Autism
While The Good Doctor has been both praised and critiqued for its representation of autism, it’s undeniable that it has opened doors to conversations about autism in society. For many viewers, Dr. Shaun Murphy’s character is a step toward understanding and embracing neurodiversity, helping to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
At
Steady Strides, we believe in supporting all aspects of each child’s unique experience. We’re here to assist families with a range of services that celebrate each child’s strengths, providing guidance and support for their journey. The Good Doctor serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing neurodiversity, both on screen and in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Shaun Murphy an accurate representation of autism?
Dr. Murphy’s portrayal includes some traits associated with autism, though it also features aspects unique to savant syndrome, which is not typical for most people with autism. While his character resonates with some viewers, it doesn’t represent the full autism spectrum.
Why was a neurotypical actor cast for an autistic role in The Good Doctor?
The choice to cast Freddie Highmore, a neurotypical actor, was a decision by the show's creators. Some advocates believe that actors with autism should be cast in autistic roles to provide authenticity and better representation.
How can shows like The Good Doctor help promote autism awareness?
By featuring characters with autism, television shows can foster greater public awareness, challenge misconceptions, and encourage more inclusive perspectives. They also provide a platform for discussing neurodiversity and the importance of empathy and support.
