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. 2025 Apr 1;63(2):87-104.
doi: 10.1352/1934-9556-63.2.87.

Exploring Media Portrayals of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Aesha J John  1 , Jade Presnell  1 , Sabrina Cavazos  1 , Cameron Lewright  1
Affiliations

Exploring Media Portrayals of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Aesha J John et al. Intellect Dev Disabil. .

Abstract

Considering past evidence highlighting the role of media portrayal in shaping community attitudes towards people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), we analyzed depictions of IDD in seven television shows and three movies. Characters with IDD were coded based on categories representing (a) their attributes (demographic, disability-related, and personality), (b) the salience of IDD and character with IDD, (c) treatment by other characters, and (d) quality of life. The majority of the characters were White and male, and persons with IDD played characters with visible disabilities. Characters with IDD were often bullied, but most were portrayed as having a strong support system and a good quality of life. Themes are discussed in the context of implications and methodological limitations.

Keywords: Down syndrome; autism; cerebral palsy; media analyses; media portrayal.

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