Exploring Emotions: Is It Normal to Get Triggered Over Autistic Characters?

Content Warning: This article discusses topics related to bullying, emotional struggles, and triggering content.

As a 14-year-old girl with Asperger syndrome, you have firsthand experience with the complexities of navigating social interactions and the challenges that come with being different. Encountering representations of autism in media, especially in characters that resonate with your own experiences, can evoke a wide range of emotions. This article will explore why you might experience emotional triggers when watching characters with autism and why these feelings are completely normal.

Why You Might Feel Triggered

Understanding why you feel triggered is the first step towards processing these emotions. Here are several reasons why you might experience strong emotional responses to autistic characters:

Relatability

Autistic characters often reflect personal experiences, which can bring up strong feelings about your past or present situations. This relatability allows you to see parts of yourself in characters and can be both empowering and supportive, as well as emotionally draining when the portrayal is negative or inaccurate.

Misrepresentation

If a character is portrayed in a way that feels inauthentic or harmful, it can understandably upset you. Moreover, if the character reinforces negative stereotypes, it can exacerbate feelings of vulnerability and frustration.

Empathy

Empathy with the struggles of autistic characters can be powerful but overwhelming, especially if you face similar challenges in your own life. This emotional connection can be both beautiful and burdensome.

Memories of Bullying

Experiencing bullying in school can lead to painful memories resurfacing when watching characters who are bullied or misunderstood. This can trigger feelings of anger, sadness, and even distress.

Validating Your Feelings

It is important to acknowledge and process these feelings. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can help you understand and manage your emotions. Remember, your experiences and feelings are valid, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Common Reactions to Autistic Characters

Many people on the autism spectrum, including myself, have watched numerous TV shows, anime, and movies where autistic characters are portrayed. Some portrayals are accurate and helpful, while others can be deeply unsettling. Here are some examples:

Relatable Characters

Characters like Sheldon Cooper, Spencer Reid (from Criminal Minds), and Forrest Gump (rumored to be on the autism spectrum) often resonate with autistic individuals due to their quirks and behaviors. However, if these characters are portrayed inaccurately or in a harmful manner, it can trigger negative emotions.

Triggering Misrepresentations

Fictional characters like L and Near from Death Note, Haruhi and Yuki from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and Violet Evergarden can be particularly triggering due to their misrepresentations. Additionally, some fans of Kyoto Animation and Mad House believe that their animated characters are autistic, which can be validating or frustrating depending on the portrayal.

Personal Experiences

Many autistic individuals have had personal experiences with bullying and negative interactions. Watching characters who face similar challenges can evoke strong emotional responses. It is important to find balance and seek support when these feelings become overwhelming.

Acknowledging and Managing Triggers

Recognize that it is normal to feel triggered when encountering certain portrayals of autism. Here are some steps you can take to manage your emotions:

Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor to process your feelings. Engage in activities that help you de-stress and relax. Seek out positive and accurate portrayals of autism in media. Remember that your experiences and feelings are valid. Consider joining support groups or online communities for additional support.

In conclusion, it is entirely normal to experience triggers when encountering autistic characters in media. By understanding why these emotions arise and taking steps to manage them, you can continue to find value in media while maintaining your emotional well-being.