Let’s take a closer look at how these two portrayals align and diverge, and what The Good Doctor brings to the table in the conversation around autism representation in the 21st century.
When Rain Man was released, it made waves for its portrayal of autism, a condition that was not widely understood by the public at the time. Raymond Babbitt, played with precision by Dustin Hoffman, was depicted as a man with remarkable mathematical abilities but significant social limitations. The film played a crucial role in raising awareness about autism, albeit through the lens of savant syndrome, which is quite rare even among those on the spectrum.
Rain Man gave viewers a character that was deeply human, yet it also cemented certain stereotypes about autism. The depiction of Raymond, while groundbreaking in its time, was limiting in that it suggested that most individuals with autism have extraordinary talents. This trope has persisted in media representations of autistic characters, leading to a somewhat narrow view of what life with autism looks like.
A crucial point in understanding the evolution from Rain Man to The Good Doctor is recognizing that savant syndrome, though fascinating, is incredibly rare. In fact, only about 10% of individuals with autism display savant abilities. By choosing to focus on characters like Shaun Murphy and Raymond Babbitt, both pieces of media risk perpetuating the myth that all individuals on the autism spectrum possess these remarkable talents.
However, The Good Doctor works to counterbalance this by showing that Shaun’s struggles with emotional expression and social interaction are just as central to his experience as his professional brilliance. The show doesn’t shy away from his vulnerabilities, depicting moments of breakdown and frustration, allowing the audience to see the complexities of autism beyond extraordinary intellect.
While Raymond Babbitt’s character was revolutionary for his time, his portrayal stopped short of addressing the broader spectrum of autism. The Good Doctor, on the other hand, introduces audiences to a wider range of challenges, exploring how someone like Shaun can navigate a professional career in a demanding environment while also dealing with deeply personal struggles. Another significant difference between Rain Man and The Good Doctor is the societal context in which they were released. In the 1980s, there was far less public awareness of autism, and neurodiversity was a largely unexplored concept. Rain Man provided a necessary introduction to the condition, but it did not encourage deeper conversation about how autistic individuals could be fully integrated into society.
Where Rain Man introduced autism as a curiosity, The Good Doctor presents it as part of the fabric of modern life, encouraging audiences to see autism not as something to be pitied or marveled at, but as a different way of experiencing the world that deserves respect and understanding. One area where The Good Doctor excels is in its ongoing portrayal of Shaun’s day-to-day life, allowing viewers to witness the realities of his interactions. Unlike Rain Man, which provided a contained story arc, The Good Doctor has the benefit of multiple seasons to develop its characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of Shaun’s relationships, challenges, and growth.
