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How journalists can write about autism responsibly
Journalistic best practices for inclusive reporting
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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Thursday 18th September 2025 |
MDI has published a guide for journalists on how to report responsibly on autism.
It notes that media portrayals often rely on outdated stereotypes, such as reducing autism to a "tragedy" or focusing on white, male, savant-like characters.
The piece advocates for centering autistic perspectives, using identity-first language (such as "is autistic"), and avoiding terms like "high-functioning" or "low-functioning." It also urges journalists to use diverse images and avoid linking autism to violence.
The article recommends that newsrooms hire autistic journalists and build relationships with autistic-led organisations to ensure ongoing engagement with the community and more accurate, respectful reporting.
Source: Media Diversity Institute (UK)
https://www.media-diversity.org/
Further reading, listening and viewing...
Have you seen our books about Autism and Neurodiversity?
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The Autism Manifesto provides a vital 'lived perspective' on autism and advocates for greater understanding, inclusion, and integration for autistic people in society. The manifesto challenges outdated views of autism as a deficit or something to be 'cured', instead presenting it as a natural human variation, and highlights the fact that different ways of thinking only serve to enrich society. Its core lies in the 10 Pillars of Inclusion, which offer direct, practical steps that everyone can take to improve the lives of autistic people in every walk of life, at home, at work, at school, in the community, in government, and in the authorities and legal systems.
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This is a comprehensive guide to addressing bullying whether it's at home, school, work, in clubs, in public, or online. It provides safe and ethical strategies to handle all the different bullying tactics from subtle manipulation to outright harassment and physical threats. It equips you to recognise bullying, deal with it safely but assertively, set proper boundaries, and document and report bullying wherever it finds you. Learn how to use support networks, safe ways of reporting bullying, and understand your legal rights to protect yourself and find the right way to deal with bullies without starting a war on your own doorstep!Copyright ©2025-2026 Peter J. Clark T/A Autism Info Center / Media Diversity Institute (UK). All rights reserved worldwide. This information may not be copied, reproduced, excerpted, stored, indexed or distributed without the express written permission of the publisher, author, and copyright holder.
