Exploring the Media Discourse of Neurodiversity and Neurodivergent Individuals: A Step Toward Discovering Possibilities for All People

This study considers how the U.S. news media frame the neurodiversity movement and individuals who are either diagnosed or self-identify as neurodivergent. We used content analysis to examine 354 news articles. Results showed increased coverage of neurodiversity and neurodivergent individuals from 2016 to 2022. Key findings include an increase in calls for representation, advocacy, and the recognition of neurodiversity as a different neurotype rather than a condition to be cured, as well as more diverse voices represented in the media coverage, a diversification of topics covered relating to neurodiversity, and a continued focus on autism in media discourse.