Autism in 2017: The Year in Review

Autism was certainly not new in 2017, but as the condition becomes more common and as awareness about it is increased, researchers and medical professionals have continued to make plenty of advancements that are new. In addition to a broader understanding of the condition and new theories about how it can be treated, public awareness and perception of what it means to live with autism continues to evolve.

We’ve collected highlights from some of the most important advancements regarding autism from the past year.

Autism in the media

While the media doesn’t have anything to do with research or treatment options for autistic individuals, it does play a huge role in terms of shaping public perception about the condition. For a long time, autism was portrayed in popular media as a “disease” that is either crippling or something like a super power. While some individuals may have extraordinary abilities when it comes to memorizing facts or practicing certain skills, in reality, the condition doesn’t turn individuals into super-human-computers the way they could be seen in the media.

The portrayal of autistic individuals in the media is not yet perfect, but 2017 did see some major steps towards offering a more realistic perspective on what it means to live with autism. One standout example was director Rachel Israel’s film, “Keep the Change,” a story about two adults with autism falling in love. While the plotline of the film is notable for its portrayal of autism, it’s also one of the first films to feature two autistic stars, Brandon Polansky and Samantha Elisofon in its lead roles.

In addition to “Keep the Change,” Netflix also released a sitcom titled “Atypical” about an autistic high schooler, and CBS launched a new series, “The Good Doctor” about a doctor with autism. While these two shows left something to be desired in how they portrayed the condition, and while they didn’t feature autistic stars as prominently as “Keep the Change,” the emergence of new movies and TV shows focusing on autism in 2017 does represent a more willing attitude to discuss the condition in popular media.

What has changed?

Although perceptions of autism have come a long way in recent years, there is still a lot of work to be done. In 2017, there were several instances that left autistic individuals and advocates alike groaning, and others that served as cause for celebration.

The number of diagnosed cases of autism has been rising steadily since researchers began tracking it in 2000, and 2017 is certainly no different. However, what may have changed this year is our understanding of this growing trend.

2017 was a year full of new discussions and developments in the autism community. While questions about what causes autism and attempts at finding a sure-fire cure for the condition remain elusive, there have certainly been a number of advancements. From increased and more sympathetic portrayals in the media to initiatives designed to provide earlier treatment, 2017 was an eventful year.

Read on to learn more about the advancements 2017 has brought to the autism community.