Link: https://old.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/1tdmzdw/openly_autistic_vs_coded_autistic_media/

This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.

The original was posted on /r/autism by /u/Extreme-Grade-3623 on 2026-05-15 05:38:11+00:00.

Do you guys prefer watching programs where the characters or at least one of the characters is openly Autistic or do you prefer programs and movies where the character is obviously autistic but it's never outwardly stated?

Personally I connect far more with media featuring coded autistic characters. Usually movies and shows that have open autistic characters have the autism be the bulk of the character's identity and storyline. Also I find that the majority of the characters are either precocious children or extremely awkward 30-something virgins. Neither of these describe my life so when I watch "Parenthood" or "The Good Doctor" I can appreciate that they're trying to really write them well but ultimately I would prefer watching a coded autistic film or show like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" or "Amelie" or pretty much any Wes Anderson film. The characters on these stories are, at least in my perspective and many others, autistic yet it doesn't define them or limit them and it doesn't turn into a cheesy "very special episode" PSA. It's also kind of cool because by keeping them coded it's almost like a special secret that only certain people are going to understand, the same way that people in the queer community recognize coded queer characters.