Discourses of autism on film: an analysis of memorable images that create definition

The characteristics that provide a platform for a categorical distinction between

being 'disabled' and 'abled' is arguably dependent on the shared understanding

and socially agreed upon ideas of a group of individuals. Collectively, groups

derive meaning through communications and interactions with each other

and their environment using particular language and common assumptions

(Prawat & Floden, 1994; Rogoff, 1990). The intersubjectivity of the community

aids in shaping personal meaning of their position in relation to another

person's position. Some argue that the intersubjectivity, or shared understandIng,

creates social meaning and knowledge of ability and disability which are

socially constructed dichotomies, and that through the polarised construction

people are positioned on one side or another of an apparent factually based

line of difference (Kang, 2009; Scully, 2009; Titchkosky, 2003; Williams et al.,

Chapter 4, this volume). The construction and definition of disability arise

through a variety of mediums including social, cultural, historical, and political

discourses (Scully, 2009). As disability is constructed so to is the 'line of

difference' that distinguishes the abled from the disabled. This line of difference

is continuously constructed and reconstructed to coincide with changing

cultural, political, and personal landscapes. These landscapes are constantly

changing as a result of multiple influences including, although not limited to,

gaining new information or exposure about a topic.