TV Shows with Aspergers!!

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I'm writing a paper on depictions of Asperger's in the media and I'm curious what everyone thinks about TV shows like Community, The Big Bang Theory, and Parenthood. Do you guys think the characters depict Aspergers correctly? Some of the writers don't say the character has Aspergers specifically, but it is implied. Do you think that's a good thing or not?

I don't know about these shows, but Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic seems like a rather positive portrayal of light Asperger Syndrome, though that might be wishful thinking on my part.

It's been speculated that the handsome & awesome Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds might be an aspie. It isn't explicitly stated, though, but he does have quite a few traits. He's socially awkward (has no friends except his coworkers), extremely focused on his special interests (he's got 3 doctorates in in science and physics), has sensitivity issues (he wears his watch over his sleeve) and prefers sunglasses outside when its sunny, and sometimes ramble on about things to the point where team members have to tell him to chill.

What about Emily Owens MD?

Do you think it's good there are so many characters that might have Aspergers on TV today? Or do you think that this leads to misrepresentation?

Reid from Criminal Minds and perhaps a bit in House.

Hugh Laurie of House is, in reality, an Aspie

These are some interesting responses! I'm very interested in how these characters affect how viewers think about Aspergers. I have a few more questions, if there's any you'd like to answer, please feel free!

Do you enjoy seeing characters with Aspergers on TV? Do you relate to these characters?

Does it annoy you when characters who are supposed to have Aspergers do not seem like they have Aspergers?

Do you think it's important for television creators to depict Aspergers correctly?

Thanks a lot!! !

Sherlock Holmes from the BBC show Sherlock. His AS is mentioned in one of the episodes.

I think Max on Parenthood is a terrible depiction. As the show has progressed, he has become a very selfish, rude person, none of which is due to AS, in my opinion. I think that his parents babying him so much for having AS has morphed the character into somebody who feels entitled to everything they want out of life. And if they do something wrong, they blame it on having AS. Those parents don't teach Max any manners or respect whatsoever, and I feel that it's just making more people think that those with AS are selfish and mean-spirited like that. My mom's a diehard fan of the show (I watch it solely for Max scenes- and fast-forward through the rest ), and she can't stand Max, either. She rarely sees any connection with my behaviors/AS.

Oh, and there's no way Max would win middle school class president, let alone receive a standing ovation during a speech where he reveals he has AS.

People I know think that Alphas is the show with the best autistic character.

Reid on CM is good eggsample. Gary on Alphas is qoool too. Bones seems to be portrayed this way, but not really convincing in my opinion. Sheldon is caricature, funny one. Other shows, I ain't seen. I don't see autism in House though.