Autism in the News
We’ve been pleased to see that more and more TV series and feature films are featuring characters on the autism spectrum. From the weekly Parenthood, The Big Bang Theory, and Community to the recent film releases of The Story of Luke and Adam, Hollywood has begun to the tell the stories that are reflective of more and more families’ daily lives.
On July 10, the cable channel f/x premieres its new drama, The Bridge, starring SAG Award winning actress Diane Kruger, as “a dogged cop who has an undiagnosed disorder that falls on the autism spectrum… who is shockingly candid and calls the world as she sees it.” Set on the border between El Paso and Juarez, this clearly adult series is not focused primarily on the character’s Asperger’s, but instead portrays a complex, somewhat socially challenged detective “who is extremely effective at her job.”
As the rate of autism continues to rise in America, now estimated at 1 in every 50 children, we are happy to see the inclusion of characters and situations that showcase the more realistic makeup of our communities. We also know it is very important to highlight the strengths of those with ASD, not just the challenges, and so we’re looking forward to checking out The Bridge to watch this female detective solve crime and fight for justice.