In this episode of The Autistic Culture Podcast:
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have probably heard about Netflix’s latest show, Wednesday, and the discussion around whether or not she’s an Autistic character. Join us on this week’s virtual culture trip as TACP’s real life Autistic podcast hosts weigh in.
Based on the beloved Addams Family franchise created by Charles “Chas” Addams in 1938, this series stars Jenna Ortega (not Autistic) as the titular character and has already gained tremendous success garnering 341 million hours of viewing time on its platform since its November 2022 release, overtaking a record previously set by fellow giant Stranger Things. The hosts discuss whether the titular character represents an authentic autistic woman and teen.
Wednesday (sort of) displays many traits shared by those on the autism spectrum such as a “flat affect,” dislike of physical touch, focused interests, not socially accepted etc., but the show's portrayal is ultimately an allistic perspective of autism. The creators use Autistic coding and tropes rather than casting an actually Autistic actor. Wednesday is compared to caricatures like Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, they say the show engages in "Autistic face" rather than authentic representation.
The podcast hosts criticize the show's apparent goal of "fixing" Wednesday to be more socially accepted. The hosts discuss the role of relative physical attractiveness and conventional/allistic story arcs that might make her character more universally palatable and not nearly as “Autistic” as it might appear.
Angela: She's not weird—she needs to be fixed. And great news: we have designed this TV show to fix her.
Matt: I discovered way back with Tom Hanks playing Forrest Gump that this country loves disabled characters as long as they're played by conventionally attractive, abled actors.
While allowing that some Autistic individuals find representation in the character, the hosts conclude that Wednesday does not fully encapsulate authentic Autistic experiences and culture. They see it more as an allistic interpretation for mass appeal than an inside perspective.
Do you think that “Wednesday” represents Autistic Culture? Tell us about it in the comments!
Show notes and resources:
HERE WE WOE I’m neurodivergent and here’s my issue with Netflix’s Wednesday
15 Ways Wednesday Addams is Cool and Autistic
Wednesday's neurodivergent coding is both good and bad
Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Demystifying The Autism Spectrum & Autistic People Classes
Related episodes about Autistic characters:
Episode 11: Sherlock is Autistic
Episode 30: Doctor Who is Autistic
Episode 41: Tim Burton is Autistic
Check us out on Instagram
Find us on Apple podcasts and Spotify
Learn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPP
Matt’s social media: Autistic Connections Facebook Group
Learn more about Angela at AngelaLauria.com and Difference Press
Angela’s social media: Twitter and TikTok
TACP’s Autism-affirming TeePublic merch shop
*Note: Transcription technology is still new on this platform. We are aware of the gaps and errors in the transcript and are dedicated to editing it for accuracy as soon as the new technology allows. We appreciate your patience as we work to expand accessibility as quickly as we are able.
**TACP recognizes that ABA for autism is harmful to Autistic mental health. We reject the use of ABA therapy and pathologizing language like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated functioning labels. To learn more, please listen to: Episode 20: Sesame Street is Autistic and Episode 24: The Trouble with Temple Grandin.
Episode 17: Wednesday is Autistic?