The Ghostbusters franchise provides strong autistic representation, showcasing characters with obsessive interests, attention to detail, and unique ways of thinking that align with autistic characteristics.
Ghostbusters movies promote a strength-based lens for understanding and portraying autism, challenging stereotypes and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between autistic and allistic individuals.
Deep dives
The Heritability of Autism
Recent studies suggest that the heritability rate of autism is between 83 to 92 percent. Autism can be traced back through the family tree to the beginning of time, indicating a strong genetic component. This finding highlights the wide prevalence of autism across cultures and continents, with autistic individuals sharing a common lineage and similar traits such as passion for research and intense interests.
Autistic Representation in the Ghostbusters Franchise
The Ghostbusters franchise, created by Dan Aykroyd, showcases strong autistic representation. Characters like Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler are canonically portrayed as autistic individuals. Dan Aykroyd, who himself is autistic, infused his personal experiences and traits into the characters. Their obsessive interests in paranormal research, attention to detail, and unique ways of thinking align with autistic characteristics, offering a positive and authentic representation of autism in mainstream media.
The Autistic Lens in Ghostbusters Movies
The Ghostbusters movies, particularly Ghostbusters II, provide insight into the autistic experience. Egon Spengler's struggles with emotions in Ghostbusters II mirror the intraceptive difficulties often faced by autistic individuals. The focus on research and the logical problem-solving approach showcased by the characters resonates with the autistic way of thinking. These films integrate autistic perspectives by emphasizing strengths, intelligence, and the power of deep interests.
The Importance of Strength-Based Approaches
Ghostbusters movies demonstrate the importance of embracing a strength-based lens when understanding and portraying autism. By highlighting the brilliance, unique abilities, and strengths of autistic individuals, the franchise challenges stereotypes and promotes a more nuanced understanding of autism. The films also emphasize the significance of autistic and allistic people working together, creating a symbiotic relationship that leads to greater success and broader perspectives.
When Dan Aykroyd (the writer ofGhostbusters) was a young boy, he was diagnosed with Autism. Today he credits his neurodivergent nature for helping him creatively. The Ghostbusters franchisehas SO MANY autistic moments from special interests that are based on Akroyd’s own earlyobsession with ghosts and law enforcementto autistic masking, eye contact challenges, and sensory issue. On this episode Matt shares some of his favorites with Angela.
