Are people bothered by non-autistic actors playing autistic?

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I'm autistic and wanting to get more into filmmaking community, because I like directing and filmmaking, but have also had some small acting parts so far as well.

Some people in the filmmaking community were talking about this movie because of the controversy:

https://ew.com/movies/sia-music-controv ... s-twitter/

But I don't think it's bad if a nerotypical actor plays an autistic part. I'm autistic and have been cast in some nerotypical parts, so I feel I shouldn't have a problem if it's the other way around. I just think it's acting and you should go with whoever gives the best audition and seems like the best fit for the character.

But am I wrong? What do you think out of curiosity?

I agree. The whole point of acting is to portray something your not. I'm not sure why people make a ruckus about such things, it makes no sense.

I am not bothered, but that is just me.

I enjoy the Sheldon Lee Cooper character enormously.

Political correctness on steroids.

I'm not bothered at all. Actors play all sorts of personalities which aren't their own.

The onus is on writers to write believable autistic characters, and on directors to direct them properly.

I think the concern with non-autistic actors is that there are many autistic and otherwise neurodiverse artists looking for work, and they should be given the opportunity to audition for these roles.

My only concern is, just being autistic doesn't make one a good autistic actor, as an example.

Of course. But it doesn't make them "not a good actor" either.

I think it would be nice to have more autistic actors as role models for people interested in acting, showing people it can be done. This includes stage and musical theatre. Of course the person would need to audition, and earn the role.

It is a bit like giving preference to women, gays, whites, etc, in a political cabinet.
'You' want diversity, but you don't want a person with lesser qualifications simply to service political correctness.





No, but I am thinking in terms of the magnitude of available talent.
I see the same thing is sports.

A country with a huge population probably has a greater talent pool than a smaller one.
I am not against autistic people per se.
I know a couple, including myself.



Most autistic people have problems communicating with others.
This might be an issue when dealing with directors and other actors.

Don't get me wrong.
I'd like to see it happen.
I don't think I have, to date.

There is a well know deaf actress.
Why not an autistic actress/actor?

We have Sheldon Cooper.
What more do you want?

If you want me to, I can vaccinate him and turn him into a bona fide autistic person.

In the Atypical series, I think the main actor is doing a good job. It's the storyline and kinda NSFW (the American way) content that I am not a fan of.

In the Good Doctor, Actor Freddie Highmore (playing Shawn Murphy) does a decent job, but at times, he doesn't seem Autistic, just annoying.

There is a movie called Music, featuring the singer Sia. I wanted to watch it, but I didn't do it and she apparently shut down her Twitter because the "autistic" community was mad toward her picturing of autism.

Autism is a spectrum, so it is difficult to find a way to "play autistic" in a role. I am fine what with the people are doing. I'm still curious about that "Music" movie and will probably get it at some point, just for the sake of knowing why the critics were so harsh.

It depends on the context of the work and the portrayal of the autistic person.

I'm bothered by it, because only an autistic actor can truly understand what it's like to be autistic and they could also be getting paid as well.

I can speak only for myself.

Non-autistic actors portraying autistic characters bother me only when they get it wrong.  Being autistic does not mean being emotionally or intellectually disabled, nor does it mean that we are geniuses or psychic.  Being autistic does not mean we are to be feared or pitied, nor that we are all prone to catatonia or meltdowns.

Many of us can function well enough in mainstream society, especially if others can accept or overlook our behavioral "quirks".

The fictional character of Adrian Monk comes to mind.  He had his quirks (compulsive habits and phobias ), but he was an accomplished detective in his own right.

Sure, normies can portray us, as long as they get it right.

Monk, probably, is supposed to be more OCD than Autistic/Aspergian.

Sheldon Cooper seems very “Aspie-like.” He is portrayed with many of the negative stereotypes of Aspies. One thing to remember is that he’s a character in a comedy.

Watch the original Good Doctor, which I think is Korean. That actor does a better job.

Agreed.