Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Though the design may seem innocuous, the meaning of the puzzle piece can be harmful to the autistic community.

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

‘I owe myself a life of fulfillment and authenticity, whether it fits your mind’s image of who I should be or not.’

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Though the character isn’t written to be autistic in the show, she still serves as a positive portrayal of what it means to have autism.

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Here is an intimate look at the harm this YouTuber has caused autistic people by spreading misinformation and raising money for shady charities.

Isabelle Juan, Truman State University

The Australian singer-songwriter’s debut movie left many with a sour taste in their mouths due to the inhumane treatment of its neuroatypical main character.

Katherine Bry, Washington University

The musician cast a neurotypical actor to play an autistic character in her soon-to-be-released movie, a choice many are calling ableist.

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Helen Hoang’s novel paints a rich portrait of an autistic heroine, captivating readers by avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes that have long persisted in media.

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

The five-part series shifts the spotlight to autistic individuals, ultimately subverting exclusionary notions of mainstream media. Does it succeed?

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

Many people think of the disorder as a learning disability that makes kids hyper and easily distracted, but it’s much more complicated than that.

Reem Farhat, Fordham University

The groundbreaking Korean drama reimagines media representation of mental health to build a show about struggle and growth.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

The organization treats autistic people as ‘problems’ to be fixed instead of actually listening to their voices.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

The former Smosh YouTuber is offering a voice to those who are often oppressed and stereotyped, all in a judgment-free and educational way.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

April is Autism Awareness Month, but these Instagram accounts are educating people about autism all year round.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

These women are making the world a more inclusive and accessible place, one post at a time.

Lisa Lilianstrom, Northern Illinois University

As both the star of ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Okay’ and an actress on the spectrum, she’s eliminating harmful stereotypes of autism that other shows often perpetuate.

Eleanore Belanger, Arizona State University

Amythest Schaber answers questions and busts myths about autism in their YouTube series.

Haley Cohen, Quinnipiac University

But it doesn’t mean I can’t teach others about it.

Kaitlin Romriell, Southern New Hampshire University

Mental disabilities affect people in different ways, but it’s people’s responses that make a difference.

Michaela Shea-Gander, Denison University

Baby steps are better than no steps at all, but shows like ‘Atypical’ and ‘Special’ still have their flaws.

Paige Brauser, Connecticut College

It might be hyperbolized, but Dr. Shaun Murphy’s knack for continually beating the odds is incredibly important.

Gabbi Calabrese, Arkansas Tech University

I’ll give you a hint: It’s not because of the humor or heartwarming resolutions (though those are nice).

Dominique Bander, Loyola University Maryland

The 21-year-old, who is on the autism spectrum, was sent to jail based on suspicion that he carved a swastika and a racial slur into two Orange Coast College security vehicles.

Lexi Lieberman, University of Pennsylvania

Nia-Renee Cooper was inspired by her grandfather’s fight with dementia to study neuropharmacology and behavioral intervention.

Eric McInnis, Arcadia University

While the show aims to promote neurodiversity, it falls prey to some cringeworthy tropes.

Lindsay Biondy, University of Pittsburgh

While other high schoolers were getting their first jobs, Holstein was already creating Pufferfish Software.