Alright, gather ‘round neurodivergent warriors of the 21st century. Let's talk about the elusive yet tantalizing concept of seeing ourselves accurately represented in media. Spoiler: it's a wild ride full of highs, lows, and "Did they even try?" moments.

First off, props to a couple of shows that got at least some of it right:

Atypical

Netflix's Atypical: It's like your favorite comfy hoodie – not perfect, but you appreciate the effort. Sam’s autistic experience might not be everyone's cup of tea, but hey, they actually consulted with real-life autistic humans. Imagine that! Mini victory dance.

The Good Doctor

The Good Doctor: Where we learn that someone thought a show about an autistic surgeon could work (who knew?). Mixed reviews here – amazing representation but hey, maybe add a few autistic writers to the room? Just a thought.

The A Word

The A Word (BBC): We get a peek into a family dealing with autism. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s sometimes uncomfortable – kind of like visiting your extended family for holidays. Credit for keeping it authentic and giving us the feels.

Now, What Can Media Do Better?

1. Consult with Neurodivergents

Groundbreaking idea: ask neurodivergent people about their own experiences. You know, like consulting a chef about cooking. To avoid those ""This isn’t how it works!"" rants from us.

2. Avoid Stereotypes

Newsflash: Not every ADHD individual is a sugar-hopping maniac, and not all autistics are computer geniuses. Diversity is beautiful – let's dive into that rich pool instead of the shallow cliché puddle.

3. Complex and Diverse Portrayals

Give us characters with depth! Show the good, the bad, and the awkward silence that happens when you bring up your latest hyperfixation at a dinner party. We’re complex beings – embrace it.

4. Authentic Character Development

Instead of stamping “neurodivergent” on a character and calling it a day, integrate these traits into who they are. Trust us, we’re more than our diagnoses; we're walking stories waiting to be told.

5. Inclusive Storytelling

How about leading roles for neurodivergents? Shocking, I know. We’re tired of playing the quirky sidekick. Give us the spotlight and watch the ratings soar.

In Conclusion

The media game is changing, albeit slowly. With consultation, accurate representation, and a dash of dark humor (our specialty), we can slowly but surely shift towards a more inclusive and authentic portrayal of neurodivergent experiences. Until then, we’ll keep binge-watching and critiquing from our neurodivergent strongholds. Onward!

• authentic neurodivergent representation
• accurate portrayal of autism
• media stereotypes
• neurodivergent experiences in media
• inclusive media portrayals
• ADHD representation