[Commlist] CFP Autistic Representation & Engagement in Media Narratives

Autism is becoming a controversial topic within contemporary Western 
culture, arguably due to a lack of information and out-dated perceptions 
of the condition. Autistic adults are increasingly using social media as 
a way to try and get their voices heard, and to challenge prevalent 
narratives, and what they see as abusive and dangerous practices used to 
try and 'cure' the condition. The Neurodiversity movement in particular, 
seeks to open up discussion and awareness of Autism as something 
inherent to Autistic people, rather than as a disease to be cured.

However, the Anti-vax movement has served to further demonise Autistic 
people, whilst cult celebrities have used social media to attack 
Autistic activists for criticising problematic charities such as Autism 
Speaks. Autistic voices are still struggling to be heard, and often 
suffer from being infantilised or dismissed due to being perceived by 
archaic labels as “high functioning” and thus not “properly” Autistic.

Representation in media, is therefore, a critical issue for Autistic 
people. Whilst there is increasingly an acknowledgement of Autism with 
film and television, the way it is depicted can be controversial. Often 
Autistic voices are ignored, and not involved in the production of these 
texts. Children's television cartoon /Pablo/ stars an Autistic boy and 
has Autistic voices involved with the production. The stage play /All in 
a Row/ used a creepy puppet to represent an Autistic child and created a 
great deal of controversy on social media, including protests from 
Autistic people. Netflix series /Atypical/ has had mixed reactions due 
to its perceived stereotypical representations.

There are also a great deal of texts that are not necessarily open about 
featuring Autistic characters, but which many have interpreted that way. 
These include Sheldon in /The Big Bang Theory/, Tilly in /Star Trek: 
Discovery/, and various incarnations of The Doctor in /Doctor Who/. This 
call for paper is interested in both literal representation in media, 
but also how Autistic communities and viewers might find and read 
characters as Autistic.

This is a preliminary call for papers and proposals for an edited 
collection using a broad range of approaches in the exploration of both 
Autistic representation and engagement within media texts.

Proposals could address, but are not limited to:

  *

    Representation of Autism in Film & TV

  *

    Controversial texts and promotions.

  *

    Autistic fandom

  *

    Representations of race and gender

  *

    Metaphors for Autism in narratives

  *

    Critical viability and acceptance

  *

    Historical and political discourses around Autism.

  *

    Conspiracy narratives

  *

    Anti-fandom and celebrities

  *

    Promoting Autism

  *

    Interpretation characters as Autistic

  *

    Autistic writers, directors, and actors e.g. Anthony Hopkins

  *

    Autistic experiences in viewing media

  *

    Autism, anxiety, and the horror genre

  *

    Co-morbid conditions and disabilities

  *

    Right-wing and anti-SJW Autistic fans

  *

    Fandom, special interests, and hyper-focus

  *

    Fan-fiction and fan art

  *

    Neurodiversity movement

Proposals and abstracts of approximately 300 words with a short bio can 
be submitted to Mark Richard Adams by 30^th November 2019, at 
(_drmarkrichardadams /at/ gmail.com) <mailto:(drmarkrichardadams /at/ gmail.com)>_ . 
Also feel free to email to express interest or with any questions.



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