I recently spent an evening binge-watching The Good Doctor on Netflix. The show revolves around Dr Shaun Murphy, an autistic surgeon with Savant Syndrome, whose exceptional intuition and eidetic memory make him a gifted physician. While I found the storyline and style to be okay, my main curiosity was about the representation of autism on TV, especially given that it is a developmental disability with a broad spectrum.
Savant – a rare sydrome
While the show decently depicts Dr Murphy’s struggles with social interaction and emotional comprehension, it falls short of representing the larger autistic community. Savant Syndrome is a rare diagnosis, present in only less than 1% of autistic individuals. Consequently, the show’s focus on this specific aspect of Autism may lead to misconceptions and misunderstandings about the condition for the general viewers and false hope for the parents of autistic children.
Socially and Emotionally Unaware
Dr Murphy’s difficulty in understanding the emotions of others was a poignant portrayal of the social and emotional challenges often faced by individuals with autism. The show provided an insightful glimpse into how this struggle can impact personal relationships, particularly romantic ones. Dr Murphy’s own difficulty in expressing his emotions, especially as he navigated the unfamiliar territory of falling in love, was a powerful reminder of the complexities of autistic individuals’ experiences with emotional communication.
Rigidity
The Good Doctor also skillfully portrayed another common trait of individuals with autism – rigidity. Dr Murphy’s inflexible behaviour was showcased throughout the series, with a strong preference for routine and a fixation on certain foods. This trait can often create conflicts in personal relationships, as was evident in Dr Murphy’s disagreements with his partner over seemingly minor matters such as the choice of toilet paper. His unwavering adherence to a specific type of pancake for breakfast was another reminder of the rigidity that can be a defining characteristic of individuals with autism.
My take
It is essential to recognize that Autism is a spectrum, and not every individual with Autism possesses the same abilities or challenges. Therefore, while The Good Doctor provides a compelling portrayal of one autistic character in some aspects, it cannot speak for the diverse experiences of all autistic individuals worldwide. The Good Doctor is an okay choice for the start, but not an ultimate go-to if you want to understand or learn about an autistic individual.
