An Analysis of Newspaper Reports on the Success of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study aims to change the negative attitudes towards individuals with ASD, to analyse the news published about their success. The news reports published in The New York Times and The Washington Post newspapers, which were only about the success stories of individuals with ASD, were analysed by document analysis and content analysis, which are qualitative research methods. In this study, 40 news from the two international newspapers were analysed. It was revealed that success stories in the area of art were published more than other areas. In this study, it is noteworthy that the role of teachers, who are important sources of inspiration in the educational life of individuals with ASD, in success stories is quite low. In this respect, it may be suggested that in future studies, newspapers in the international newspapers may publish news in which the effect of teachers on the success stories of individuals with ASD is mentioned more.

1. Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Pesonen et al., 2020), considered a neurodevelopmental disorder (Pesonen et al., 2020), is a type of special needs characterised by restricted and repetitive patterns of interests, behaviours or activities, as well as varied but often marked and persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, including difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, non-verbal communication behaviours and social relationships, mostly occurring in the first years of life (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). According to the estimates of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM) of the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD was detected in approximately 1 in 150 children in 2000 and in approximately 1 in 36 children in 2020 (CDC, 2024). This increase in the number of individuals with ASD in the world in the last 20 years shows that the prevalence rates in the society are high and this situation will increase gradually (Elsabbagh et al., 2012). Some hypotheses have been proposed regarding the reasons for the increasing prevalence rates (Matson & Kozlowski, 2011). These hypotheses are multifaceted and include the expansion of diagnostic criteria over time, earlier recognition of ASD symptoms, increased awareness of ASD and accompanying symptoms (Matson & Kozlowski, 2011), and changes in diagnostic and assessment criteria (Gillberg, 2010). According to DSM-V, experienced health professionals such as pediatricians and psychiatrists can make medical diagnosis, which is the first step in the diagnosis of ASD, based on behavioural observations (James & Smith, 2020).

1.1. Autism and Media

The media, which is part of the exosystem (Yang et al., 2023), one of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theories, has recently become the most important source of information for society in diagnosing individuals with ASD (Bakombo et al., 2023). For example, the diagnosis of ASD has now started to be made on digital video sharing platforms such as Youtube, and therefore, the public’s awareness of mental health and neurodiversity has increased with the rapid dissemination of information (Bakombo et al., 2023). In addition, the media, which may reach very wide areas and inspire innovations, may indirectly affect the development of individuals by shaping their understanding of the world, relationships and themselves through the content, norms and values promoted through the channels of mass media (Bakombo et al., 2023). At this point, when the literature studies are analysed, it is revealed that a significant part of the society obtains information about special needs from popular media (Devotta et al., 2013). At this point, the media not only reflects the views of the public, but also plays a role in shaping these views (Bakombo et al., 2023). The media’s negative portrayal of psychiatric conditions may lead to the reinforcement of stereotypes. However, the media may also improve public attitudes by contributing to the recognition and understanding of these conditions (Bakombo et al., 2023).

With regard to ASD, the mass media may greatly influence the public’s understanding of ASD, both as a means of portraying ASD and as an educational tool (Gemegah et al., 2021). In order to fully comprehend the potential impact of the media on public perception and understanding of ASD and to effectively use the mass media as a means of educating the public about ASD, it is first necessary to assess current understanding and attitudes towards ASD in schools and other public institutions (Bakombo et al., 2023). By assessing the impact of mass media on ASD, significant information on the role of the media in shaping public opinion on ASD may be obtained (Bakombo et al., 2023). This information may then be used to inform strategies to promote better understanding and inclusion of individuals with ASD in society (Bakombo et al., 2023). According to the results of current studies on individuals with ASD, there is strong evidence of the effectiveness of mass media (Maich & Belcher, 2014). Different perspectives and information presented through various mass media such as television programmes, films and newspapers contribute to the formation of societal norms and values regarding the inclusion of individuals with ASD (Maich & Belcher, 2014). In addition, social media, another recently most widely used form of media, not only facilitates the dissemination of information, interpersonal communication, and academic pursuits (Bularca et al., 2022), but also overcomes the inherent challenges associated with social communication by serving as a platform for individuals with ASD to express themselves more effectively (Gillespie-Smith et al., 2021). From past to present, it is revealed that newspaper news from newspapers reflect individuals with ASD in both negative and positive ways (Davies et al., 2005; Jones & Harwood, 2008; Quinlan & Bates, 2008; Pesonen et al., 2020). For example, Pesonen et al. (2020) revealed that in the Finnish newspaper, although stories about the employment of individuals with ASD are generally told in a positive way, stories about employment extend to social skills and negatively portray individuals with ASD. In addition, in a study by Jones and Harwood (2008) on ASD reporting in Australian newspaper, it was revealed that the language used in the portrayal of children and adults with ASD formed a mutual stereotype. Individuals with ASD were characterised as either uncontrollable, aggressive and violent, or unloved and mistreated (Jones & Harwood, 2008). More generally, such representations position ASD as a problem. Research has revealed that negative media representations may affect the psychological state of these individuals stereotyped in society (Davies et al., 2005). In a study in Australia with 1297 autistic individuals and their parents and caregivers, autistic adults reported that they were socially isolated and reluctant to leave their homes due to concerns about how they would be treated (Jones et al., 2021). In another study, a systematic analysis of stigmatisation-related content in autism news in five leading Chinese newspapers between 2003 and 2012 was carried out. As a result of this analysis, the results indicated that autism news reports have increased over time, which may contribute to increasing public awareness of the condition, but that newspapers represent autism in a stigmatised way and that this is increasing (Tang & Bie, 2016). As a result of these studies, it has been revealed that news that positively symbolise individuals with special needs have not been taken into account in scientific studies and the media, and insufficient number of studies have shed light on scientific studies (Cumberbatch & Negrine, 2022; Pernice & Lys, 1996).

However, over the years, researchers have identified various models of how the media portrays individuals with special needs and disability issues, including the medical model, the social pathology model and the superscenario model (Clogston, 1990). In the medical model, individuals with disabilities are portrayed as dependent on health professionals for treatment or care (Clogston, 1990). In the social pathology model, individuals with special needs are depicted as disadvantaged and have to turn to the community for support (Clogston, 1990). In the superscenario model, individuals with special needs are represented as ‘superhumans’ because they achieve unexpected successes or lead a normal life like people without special needs (Clogston, 1990). For example, an analysis of the reactions of journalists and bloggers to the performance of Heather Mills, who has a physical disability, on the programme ‘Dancing with the Stars’ showed that Mills was portrayed as a superhuman because of her superhuman dance performance (Quinlan & Bates, 2008). Examples such as these have begun to provide an opportunity for newspaper reports to transform negative perceptions of these individuals into positive ones. In addition, it has been stated that the negative attitudes and beliefs of the society towards individuals with ASD lead these individuals to react more inappropriate behaviour, but the positive attitudes and beliefs of the society increase the tendency of these individuals to demonstrate appropriate behaviour (Shessel & Reiff, 1999).

At this point, the media has concluded that individuals with ASD are ideally adapted to cope with the challenges of the new media era (Pinchevski & Peters, 2015). Therefore, individuals in society will be able to recognize how individuals with ASD play an important role in the relationship between technology and society. At this point, until now, the newspapers have been able to have a privileged perspective on individuals with moderate and severe ASD, a subtype of ASD named as High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome in DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Recently, however, the successes of other individuals with moderate and severe ASD (such as academic, social, independent living skills and social interaction) have also started to be reported. Individuals with severe ASD who starred in films such as Temple Grandin, After Thomas and Chocolate may be given as examples. In the film After Thomas, the story of an individual with severe ASD who continues to live with his family is presented to the audience, rather than individuals with high intelligence or talent with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Despite the rapidly growing prevalence of ASD, many individuals still have not had personal experience or direct contact with individuals with ASD (Dean & Nordahl-Hansen, 2022). In this respect, portrayals of ASD in television and film may be useful in changing public perceptions. This is because many people shape their personal perceptions of ASD based on the characters they witness on screen (Perse & Rubin, 1987; Nordahl-Hansen et al., 2018). This shaping cognitively establishes a one-sided relationship, which is referred to as parasocial interaction. Since the audience can connect with and experience characters with ASD through parasocial interaction, they are influenced by the way ASD is represented on screen and the way characters with ASD interact with their environment (Perse & Rubin, 1989; Rubin & McHugh, 1987). In this respect, it is very important to use the media correctly in shaping the perception of an issue (Jamieson & Waldman, 2004). Given the criticisms of ASD representations in film and television, more research is needed to examine the diversity of television and film portrayals of ASD (Dean & Nordahl-Hansen, 2022; Nordahl-Hansen et al., 2018). While the media’s focus on the success stories of individuals with ASD plays an important role both in changing negative attitudes and ideas in society in a positive direction and in making these individuals feel more independent and self-confident, the coverage of the changing social status of individuals with ASD over time of the newspapers in the United States, is an example of (the recent trends in the high-tech industry, where high-functioning people support the special abilities of individuals with ASD (Harmon, 2011). In this respect, the media plays an important role in the process of raising public awareness about ASD (Pesonen et al., 2020), at a point where there is a fierce tug-of-war between special needs and ability. Thanks to this awareness, the successes of individuals with ASD through today’s newspaper news, the projects developed by the families of these individuals with increased awareness, and the opportunities offered to these individuals in various fields by entrepreneurial business people or companies are increasing and spreading. This reveals the fact that the media is now turning towards the reality of appreciation and autonomy rather than discussing fate and destiny (Jones & Harwood, 2008).

1.2. The Current Study

When recent studies are analysed, it is revealed that CNN News and BBC News, which are popular news agencies in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, publish the success stories of individuals with special needs (Girgin & Burak, 2023a). It is revealed that most of the success stories in these news focus on sports, while a few focus on successes in social fields such as academic skills and politics. In addition, it was revealed that some national news agencies such as İhlas News Agency, Demir Ören News Agency and Anadolu Agency, which are the most common news agencies in the Turkish media (Kaya, 2018; Tutgun-Ünal, 2020), published a large number of news about the success stories of individuals with special needs and that these news were gathered in education, arts, sports, business and social responsibility groups (Burak & Girgin, 2024). However, although the number of news reports in which these news agencies examined the success stories of individuals with special needs has increased recently, it was determined that the topics covered were at least about ASD (Burak & Girgin, 2024). In this respect, the same researchers analysed the success stories of individuals with ASD in the 20-year news of Anatolia Agency (Kaya, 2018; Tutgun-Ünal, 2020), which is the longest-established and the largest news agency in Turkey, and it was determined that 25 news were shared in 20 years. This news article was evaluated with the systematic content analysis technique and as a result of the research, it was determined that the successes of individuals with ASD were mostly in the categories of sports and arts, and very little in the areas of social life and education. In the category of sports, swimming, skiing, athletics and table tennis were reported. In the field of art, it was determined that they achieved success in music and painting. In the academic area, successes such as first place in school and ranking in national exams were identified. In addition, in response to the question of the source of inspiration for the success story, it was emphasised that the family and the teacher were the sources of inspiration. In addition, when the distribution of the news according to the years was analysed, it was determined that one was made every year, most of the news were national and only two of them were preferred from abroad (Girgin & Burak, 2023b).

The aim of this study is to analyse the extent to which the social, artistic, sporting, scientific and educational expression of ASD is disseminated in international newspapers in the USA and to assess the positive change in the perspective towards individuals with ASD as a result of this analysis. In this respect, since it is aimed to ensure the extent of the prosocial perspective towards individuals with ASD in scientific research and to convey this positive approach to readers in the newspapers, the following questions were sought for answers:

1.3. Research Questions

• How is the distribution of supporting organisations represented in news reports about the success of individuals with ASD?
• How is the distribution of sources of inspiration represented in news reports on the success of individuals with ASD?
• How is the distribution of areas of success represented in news reports about the success of individuals with ASD?

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Research Model

We aimed to analyse the news reports on the success stories of individuals with ASD published on the digital platform of The New York Times and The Washington Post newspapers using document analysis. Document analysis is a technique that is generally used in studies to obtain appropriate answers to the research questions that have been decided about the theme defined in the studies, to verify the research data and to follow the transformation in the literature on the relevant subject (Bowen, 2009). Document analysis reveals data organized into themes, categories and codes through content analysis (Labuschagne, 2003).

2.2. Inclusion and Excusion Criteria

In this study, news reports published in The New York Times and The Washington Post between 2001 and 2024, which only published success stories of individuals with ASD, were analyzed. Both newspapers were purchased on the digital platform by the researcher through a paid subscription. In this study, international newspapers were preferred because The New York Times has more than 1 million digital news subscriptions outside the US, has more than 8.3 million paid subscriptions as of the end of the third quarter of 2021 (Majid, 2023), The Washington Post has more than 58.2 million visitors to its digital platforms according to Comscore Media Metrix (2022), 130. 000 print and 2.5 million digital subscribers by 2023, making it one of the highest circulation newspapers in the US, third only to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. In addition, their willingness to adapt to the new media era has influenced them to maintain this position. In addition, The New York Times and The Washington Post newsspapers have long been trusted sources due to their easy readability and accessibility as digital copies. Considering the above criteria, in this study we have chosen to analyse the background of the two newspapers over the last twenty years, as they have not published a sufficient number of success stories in the last ten years.

In this study, which was designed with the document analysis model, one of the qualitative research methods, the studies to be included in the document analysis are required to be meaningful, reliable, original and symbolic (Flick, 2018). In this respect, we decided to select the criterion sampling method in the selection of news reports about the success stories of individuals with ASD. Criterion sampling is a method that involves selecting participants who meet certain criteria related to the research question, where the criteria are determined in advance, and directs the researcher to select individuals with certain characteristics or who have experienced certain facts (Omona, 2013). This method ensures that the sample is similarly compatible with the objectives of the study (Miles & Huberman, 1994). In this study, the criteria of the news were determined as “Autism”, and “success”, “being a success story”. The number of studies to be analysed for qualitative research method was determined as the data were obtained (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016). We included these keywords into both newspapers and analyzed all the news reports.

Among the news reports included, there were 563 news reports in The New York Times news agency, 650 in The Washington Post news agency, and a total of 1213 news reports published between 2001 and 2024, which met the criteria of “both having ASD and covering the success story”. The news reports aimed by the research, which had the same news content and did not meet the defined criteria, were excluded. For example, 1166 news reports that were not related to the topic or did not analyze the success of individuals with ASD and a total of 7 news reports in which two newspapers covered the same topic were excluded. It was determined that there were a total of 40 news reports from two newspapers in equal numbers that met the eligibility criteria of the study. As a result of the exclusion criteria, it was decided to proceed with the document analysis study with 40 news reports that were determined to be appropriate for the purpose of the study (Figure 1).

2.3. Data Analyses

MAXQDA qualitative data analysis program was used in this study. News reports were prepared and analyzed separately using content analysis (Bowen, 2009). The purpose of qualitative content analysis is to systematically organize the text and transform it into a summary of significant results (Erlingsson & Brysiewicz, 2017). The research is analysed systematically by ordering it into codes, categories and themes (Weber, 1990). The more accurately the coding process of a content analysis is carried out, the more success is achieved (Weber, 1990). The basic coding process in content analysis continues with the division of the text into a small number of content categories and the assignment of these categories (Weber, 1990). Categories are themes that are directly defined in the text or derived through analysis, and then the relationships between these categories are determined (Weber, 1990). During the coding process in content analysis, researchers create or develop a coding scheme to guide coders’ decision-making (Poole & Folger, 1981). Inter-coder agreement reliability is a numerical measure of the agreement on how different coders will use the same data (O’Connor & Joffe, 2020) and is the analysis of which sections and codes matched (MAXQDA, 2020). Accordingly, after identifying the categories to be addressed in the study, the comparative method was used to create clustered templates and concepts.

The data obtained from the sources were categorised into themes according to their factual characteristics. Then, the data were prepared according to the categories determined by content analysis method. During the analysis, the news were categorised according to the following subheadings; (a) newspaper news agency, (b) country, (c) year, (d) age, (e) gender, (f) supporting institution, (g) source of inspiration, (h) field of achievement. Ensuring inter-coder reliability in content analysis is stated as an essential cue in maintaining the transparency of coding and the integrity of the data (Rädiker & Kuckartz, 2019). To ensure coder reliability, two authors independently coded the data on the same data set. Miles and Huberman (1994) stated that the percentage of agreement between coders needs to be at least 70%. During the calculation, Miles and Huberman’s (1994) reliability formula (Reliability = Agreement/(Agreement + Disagreement × 100) was used. As a result, the percentage of agreement between the coders was calculated as 93%, which indicates that the coding is at a very high level (Alhojailan, 2012).

In the systematic content analysis of the success stories of individuals with ASD in the news in the newspaper; categories and sub-codes are given below.

3. Results

In this part of the study, which was aimed at analysing the newspaper reports on the success of individuals with ASD, the results obtained from systematic content analysis are presented. Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 depict the information on gender, year of publication and country of the news in the success stories of two newspapers.

When the news published in both newspapers according to the success stories of individuals with ASD were analyzed by gender in Figure 2, it was determined that a total of 40 individuals with ASD were included in the study, including (n = 20) men, (n = 13) women and (n = 7) women and men (mixed). According to the success stories of individuals with ASD who were the subject of the news in two newspapers, 50% of the news published were men, 32.5% were women and 17.5% were mixed group. Accordingly, it was determined that the rate of male individuals with ASD was higher than the rate of female individuals in two newspapers.

Figure 3 reveals that the success stories of individuals with ASD were mostly (n = 32) published in the USA (80%). In addition to this, success story news were published in England (n = 1), Canada (n = 2), Australia (n = 2), South Korea (n = 1), Denmark (n = 1) and New Zealand (n = 1). Accordingly, New Zealand, Denmark, South Korea and the United Kingdom are the countries that the least emphasis to the success stories of individuals with ASD.

In Figure 4, when the news published by the two newspapers on the success stories of individuals with ASD are analysed according to years, it is revealed that the most news on the relevant subject was published in 2022 and 2023 (n = 5), the least news was published in 2016 and 2019 (n = 4), the most news was published in 2011 and 2021 (n = 3), the least news was published in 2001, 2014 and 2024 (n = 2), and the least news was published in 2020, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2004 and 2002 (n = 1).

As depicted in Figure 5, it was revealed that the institution that supported the success of individuals with ASD in two newspapers was mostly a private company (n = 11), followed by an art center (n = 6), an educational institution (n = 5), a university (n = 4), a non-governmental organization (n = 2) and a publishing house (n = 1). It was also revealed that in some news reports (n = 11), the supporting organization was not specified. The sub-codes of private companies were social media company (n = 3), film company (n = 3), private consultancy company (n = 2), software company (n = 1), media company (n = 1) and theater company (n = 1).

As depicted in Figure 6, when the people or organizations that inspired the success of individuals with ASD (n = 40), who were the subject of the news in two newspapers, were analyzed, the source of inspiration was mostly in the unspecified category (n = 13), This was followed by the individual with ASD (n = 12), followed by the individual with special needs (n = 5), team players (n = 2), painter (n = 2), teacher (n = 2), family (n = 2), author’s statement (n = 1) and golf player (n = 1).

As depicted in Figure 7, when the success areas of individuals with ASD (n = 40) included in the news reports of two newspapers were analysed, it was revealed that these were categorised under 5 different themes and consisted of codes such as education (n= 4), arts (n = 19), social life (n = 9), sports (n = 5) and science (n = 3). In this direction, it is possible to say that the successes of individuals with ASD in the area of art were mostly included in two newspapers, while news on other areas were limited in number. In the content analysis, it was determined that the category of success stories published by two international newspapers in the area of education was in the area of academic success and consisted of a total of three sub-codes: graduating from a prestigious university (n = 2), being first in class (n = 1) and being first in school (n = 1).

The categories of success stories published by two newspapers in the area of arts are music (n = 4), cinema (n = 2), (n = 4) writer, graphic artist (n = 2), stand-up (n = 1), video (n= 1), theater (n = 1), documentary (n = 1), painting (n = 1) and dance (n = 1). Playing an instrument (n = 3), composing (n = 1) belonged to the music category; acting in movies (n= 2) belonged to the cinema category; writing the best love novel (n = 1) receiving the book of the year award (n = 1), being watched as a screenplay writer (n = 1), writing a book on ASD (n = 1) belonged to the writing category; receiving an award in cartooning (n = 2) belonged to the graphic design category; viewership success, (n = 1) belongs to the stand-up category; viewership success (n = 1) belongs to the video category; theater award (n= 1) belongs to the theater category; documentary film about ASD in real life (n = 1) belongs to the documentary category; organizing exhibitions (n = 1) belongs to the painting category; and being a ballet dancer (n = 1) belongs to the dance category and were categorized under the sub-codes of the area of art.

4. Discussion

In this study, the news about individuals with ASD in newspapers, in which positive perspectives are represented, were analysed. In this context, since it is thought that positive attitudes towards individuals with ASD and success stories in the news instead of neutral or negative news about individuals with ASD will reduce stereotypes in society, increase awareness in society and provide a positive perspective on the lives of individuals with ASD, it is aimed to increase the extent of these research studies. Therefore, it may be said that the inclusion of many success stories about individuals with ASD proves the effectiveness of these newspapers.

In this direction, document analysis technique was applied in the study and document analysis model was utilized. In the study, 23 years of news from The New York Times and The Washington Post news agencies, which are among the most widely read newspapers in the USA, were analyzed and it was determined that these two newspapers published a large number of news about individuals with ASD. Considering the significance of a positive perspective in order to change the neutral or negative examples of news about individuals with ASD in newspapers (Friedman & Owen, 2017), it may be said that the fact that many news about this issue proves the effectiveness of America’s international newspapers. On the other hand, it may be said that the frequency of coverage of news about the successes of individuals with ASD in international newspapers correspond to approximately two success stories each year, which is quite limited in a period of 23 years. In this case, it should be taken into consideration that there is very little news in order to develop a positive perspective towards individuals with ASD. Because while the positive impact of mass media on public awareness is clear, it is also known to have an significant role in shaping the perceptions of individuals in society (Carr, 2008). In this respect, since thoughts and attitudes may be indirectly influenced by the media, it is extremely significant to continue representing these individuals in a positive perspective (Burak & Girgin, 2024). It is also worth noting that the media may offer its users specific ways to reduce stereotypes (Ramasubramanian, 2007). On the other hand, the fact that a large number of popular television series in the US in recent years and films reviewed in international newspapers have focused on individuals with ASD, and that TV programs targeting the society include characters with ASD proves to be effective in raising social awareness (Nordahl-Hansen et al., 2018). Characters featuring individuals with ASD in TV programmes may be a potential support for society to better comprehend the situation of individuals with ASD (Nordahl-Hansen et al., 2018). In this respect, it is very important for the social acceptance of these individuals that the news focus on the successes of individuals and represent them to the society (Burak & Girgin, 2024).

We determined that private companies were the most frequently mentioned institutions supporting individuals with ASD in newspapers, while publishing houses, non-governmental organisations and, most significantly, educational institutions were represented to a limited extent in terms of support. We consider that this is due to the fact that the founders of private companies established these companies based on their own children with ASD, and that they support various social responsibility projects in order to ensure equality of opportunity by offering many opportunities to support these individuals and their families. The fact that newspapers attract attention to organisations that support individuals with ASD may lead to an increase in the number of news about the success stories of individuals with ASD in other newspapers, as well as an increase in the number of organisations that are inspired and supported by reading these news. In this respect, newspapers need to pay attention to clearly identify the supporting organisations, especially in news reports about success stories. For example, a company that improved the future of many families by offering employment to individuals with ASD who had historically considered themselves excluded from employment made it clear that they supported these individuals, and with the support of this company, these individuals began to develop into specialists earning high salaries (The New York Times Company, 2012).

In this study, we determined that the newspapers’ sources of inspiration for the success of individuals with ASD were family and the close environment. However, we noticed that they did not specify the sources of inspiration in some news reports. It was determined that the news reports in which individuals with ASD were most inspired by their own success or/and by people such as family and their close environment were published. This result indicates that the intrinsic motivation of individuals with ASD is high, and it is very significant that individuals who support individuals with ASD need to pay attention to include the relevant motivation sources in the news in order for individuals with ASD to be able to act independently in daily life and to have high motivation. Considering the importance of sources of inspiration in providing motivational content for individuals with ASD, newspapers need to pay attention to include relevant sources of motivation in their news. In addition, when the sources of inspiration in the success stories of individuals with ASD are analysed, it is noteworthy that families and teachers are included but this number is low. The fact that families are not sufficiently emphasized as a source of inspiration in the news or that individuals with ASD do not mention their families as a source of inspiration may be due to the families’ inability to provide full support in this regard. Since teachers play an essential role in the acquisition and development of skills such as language, social and cognitive skills of individuals with ASD, it is expected that the number of news reports including teachers as a source of inspiration will increase. According to a study, teachers display exemplary behaviours by influencing the behaviours and thinking skills of future generations (Malureanu & Enachi-Vasluianu, 2021). In addition, it has been stated that ensuring individuals’ desire to succeed and intrinsic motivation is related to the positive attitude displayed by teachers (Wood, 2017). Therefore, it may be considered as a very significant result that teachers as a source of inspiration in the success stories of individuals with ASD are rarely included in the news. In this regard, in future studies, newspapers need to publish news in which the effect of teachers on the success stories of individuals with ASD is emphasised more.

We analysed how the success stories of individuals with ASD published in the newspapers were represented in the areas of success. We determined that individuals with ASD are successful in the areas of art, social life, sports, science and education. We determined that the success of individuals with ASD in the area of art is one step forward. We determined that there is limited representation especially in the areas of sports, science and education. The fact that the news of success is more orientated towards acquiring skills in art and social life also indicates that it supports the social lives of individuals with ASD. One of the most common symptoms of ASD is limitations in social skills (Demir, 2014). Social-emotional reciprocity, difficulties with social relationships, and various but usually marked and permanent deficits in social communication and social interaction cause these individuals to display certain inadequacies in initiating, maintaining, and terminating communication with their families, teachers, and peers, having friends, and playing games with their peers (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).

As a matter of fact, one of the news reports analysed confirms this issue. In a success story published in The New York Times newspaper, in which the social life skills of individuals with ASD are highlighted, it is revealed that two young people who have difficulty in comprehending abstract concepts such as love and affection due to ASD and who find touching uncomfortable due to ASD continue to love each other and carry this situation to marriage despite the fact that the majority of the society thinks that these individuals are incapable of establishing close relationships or are indifferent to these relationships (The New York Times Company, 2011). This may be regarded as one of the most effective demonstrations of how they succeed in communication and social interaction. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, individuals with ASD may also exist in social life and maintain social interaction. In recent years, examples of news reports on the acquisition of skills that are very difficult for individuals with ASD, such as playing an instrument in the area of music, reading and singing musical symbols, and achieving these successes may be mentioned. For example, an individual with ASD was able to play the cello under the supervision of a music teacher by first learning the basics of rhythm and then learning how to read music symbols (The Washington Post Company, 2022).

5. Conclusions

This document analysis provides an overview of the literature on how autism is portrayed in the media. Despite the increase in the portrayal of autism in various forms of media, the content still tends to be negative and often fails to demonstrate a positive perspective towards individuals with ASD. Therefore, the areas of success of individuals with ASD in newspapers are discussed in terms of supporting organisations and sources of inspiration. We determined that the supporting institutions include private companies, publishing houses, art centres, universities, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions. However, in some news reports, the supporting institutions were not mentioned. We determined that the inspirations for the success of individuals with ASD in the newspapers were painters, writers, team players, golf players and teachers. Finally, we determined that in the success stories of individuals with ASD in the newspapers, the areas of success were represented in the fields of social life, arts, education, science and sports. We determined that the success of this group was higher especially in the fields of arts and social life.

Recommendations

As we emphasised in the purposes of this study, it may be suggested that newspapers include news on these issues in their future news reports and pay attention to include success areas, sources of inspiration and supporting institutions while publishing such news. When the words ‘autism’ and ‘success story’ are typed side by side in the search engine on the websites of international newspapers for document analysis, it is revealed that many news reports about ASD are included, but very few news reports deal with the success story of individuals with ASD as a subject. Since only two international newspapers, The New York Times and The Washington Post, were scanned using the news reports provided on the digital platform, it may be recommended that newspapers analysing success stories in other countries of the world need to be analysed in future studies, and that positive media news may be more frequently included and sustained since, according to NAC (2025) reports, the prevalence of autism has increased in recent years and affects approximately 2% of children. In addition, it may be suggested that newspapers’ reports on other types of special needs need to be analysed.