Monsters & Misfits: Autism in Horror’s Icons

The connection between famous horror monsters and autism is an interesting and nuanced topic. While there is no direct or universal link between these iconic characters and autism, some interpretations of these monsters—particularly in modern discourse—have explored parallels with the autistic experience, especially around themes of “otherness,” social alienation, and misunderstood behaviour. Below are some famous horror monsters and speculative links to autism:

Horror monsters frequently embody the concept of “otherness,” representing beings that defy societal norms and conventions, which often leads to fear, misunderstanding, and rejection. This portrayal of otherness resonates deeply with the experiences of many autistic individuals, who may feel similarly out of place due to their neurological differences. Just as these creatures are often feared or cast aside because of their unconventional behaviours or inability to conform, autistic people may struggle to navigate a world built on neurotypical expectations, where their ways of thinking, communicating, and interacting are often misunderstood. These monsters, though fictional, often represent real-life struggles: they are shunned not for inherent malice, but because they challenge what society views as “normal,” a dynamic that many autistic individuals can relate to when facing prejudice or exclusion.

Moreover, the recurring themes of loneliness and isolation in horror narratives parallel the social challenges many autistic individuals encounter. Just as horror monsters are frequently alienated from others, either through physical separation or emotional disconnection, autistic people can feel distanced from their peers, experiencing a profound sense of isolation in a world that may not fully understand or accommodate them. The internal struggle of the monster—who may not inherently seek harm but is driven to it out of frustration, misunderstanding, or exclusion—echoes the frustration many autistic individuals feel when their attempts to connect or communicate are met with confusion or rejection.

Additionally, communication barriers, a common trait in horror creatures, further link these beings to autistic experiences. Many classic monsters struggle to express themselves in ways that humans understand, whether through language, emotion, or behaviour. This mirrors the difficulties autistic individuals often face in a world not designed to accommodate neurodivergent communication styles. Just as the monster’s inability to convey its true intentions leads to fear and hostility, autistic individuals can face stigma and alienation simply because their ways of expressing themselves deviate from neurotypical and societal norms. Thus, the horror genre, with its focus on misunderstood monsters and themes of exclusion, serves as a potent metaphor for the challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum.

Frankenstein by Glenn Hughes Art.

Frankenstein’s Monster (Frankenstein, 1818)

Themes of Otherness and Alienation: Frankenstein’s Monster is often depicted as an outsider who longs for connection but is misunderstood and rejected by society. This theme of social isolation resonates with the experiences of many autistic individuals, who may struggle with fitting into neurotypical social structures and experience a sense of alienation.

Behaviour Misinterpretation: The Monster is not inherently evil; his misunderstood actions stem from his inability to communicate effectively and his frustration from social rejection. This can be seen as an allegory for autistic individuals who may have challenges in expressing their emotions and intentions, leading to misinterpretation by others.

Edward Scissorhands pencil drawing by Cultscenes.

Edward Scissorhands (Edward Scissorhands, 1990)

Social Isolation and Unintentional Harm: Edward Scissorhands is an example of a character whose physical differences and inability to interact in typical ways (e.g., shaking hands or touching others without causing harm) mirrors experiences of autistic people who may unintentionally violate social norms.

Desire for Acceptance: Edward’s desire to be accepted, despite his differences, and his painful realization that he is too different to fit in, can be seen as an allegory for autistic individuals who seek acceptance in a world that may not fully understand their challenges or needs.

Carrie by ChrisGregoryT

Carrie White (Carrie by Stephen King, 1974)  

Misunderstanding and Social Bullying: Carrie, a young woman with telekinetic powers, is socially ostracized and bullied, leading her to lash out in violent ways. While Carrie’s powers are supernatural, her experience of being misunderstood, bullied, and unable to communicate her emotions in neurotypical ways has parallels to some experiences of autistic people.

Emotional Regulation: Some autistic individuals may have difficulty regulating their emotions, especially in the face of extreme stress or social exclusion. Carrie’s eventual violent outburst can be interpreted as a metaphor for emotional overload.

Image courtesy of Rolling Stone.

The Babadook (The Babadook, 2014)

Mental Health and Communication Difficulties: While not directly linked to autism, the film explores themes of mental health and communication struggles. The Babadook, representing grief and fear, serves as an uncontrollable force that the mother and child must learn to cope with, much like how some autistic individuals and their families grapple with external stressors and internal challenges. Autism and anxiety often go hand in hand, with some horror elements in the film representing the overwhelming nature of sensory overload or emotional distress.

Norman Bates by CSKERN CREATIONS: The Art of Corbyn S. Kerns

Norman Bates (Psycho, 1960)

Struggles with Identity and Social Interaction: While Norman Bates is often discussed in the context of dissociative identity disorder (DID), his inability to conform to societal expectations and his reclusive, awkward behavior might be examined through an autism lens. He struggles with empathy, social interaction, and emotional expression, which are issues some autistic individuals may experience.
Isolation: Like other characters, Norman lives in isolation, which is a recurring theme in horror and often resonates with the experience of many on the autism spectrum who feel excluded from neurotypical social life.

Michael Myers by Glenn Hughes Art

Michael Myers (Halloween, 1978)

Lack of Empathy and Communication: Michael Myers’ silence and emotionless demeanor has led some to theorise a parallel with autism in terms of affective communication difficulties. However, this connection is speculative and controversial, as it plays into harmful stereotypes of autism being linked with violence or a lack of empathy, which is widely misunderstood.

Social Disconnection: Michael’s detachment from social norms and his “otherness” can evoke associations with people who feel disconnected or unable to engage in the typical social contract, though it’s crucial to distinguish between fictional violence and real-life autistic experiences.

The Invisible Man by Glenn Hughes Art.

The Invisible Man (The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells, )

Isolation and Invisibility as Metaphors: The idea of feeling “invisible” or unseen by society is often a theme in discussions about autism. Autistic individuals may feel marginalised or ignored due to difficulties in expressing themselves in ways that are recognized by society, much like the Invisible Man is literally unseen.

Emotional Distance: The Invisible Man’s gradual descent into madness due to his invisibility can be linked to feelings of isolation and being misunderstood, themes often explored in the autistic experience.

Jason Voorhees by Glenn Hughes Art.

Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th, 1980)

Trauma and Nonverbal Behavior: Jason is depicted as a character who experienced childhood trauma and is mostly nonverbal throughout the series. While his actions are extreme and violent, his lack of verbal communication and perceived cognitive differences have occasionally been speculatively linked to autism. Jason is also a character who was bullied as a child, which can resonate with the experiences of autistic people who face bullying or exclusion.

Isolation and Survival: Jason’s isolated existence in the woods mirrors the loneliness and separation some autistic individuals feel from society.

The Phantom by Glenn Hughes Art.

Erik (The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, 1911)

Hyperfixation and Sensory Sensitivity: Erik’s genius in music and his reclusive, sensory-driven lifestyle have some elements that could be read through an autistic lens. His obsessive focus on Christine, combined with his difficulty relating to people in typical social ways, can be compared to autistic traits such as hyperfixation and difficulty with social relationships.

While these interpretations can be interesting, it’s important to approach them with sensitivity, as there are risks of reinforcing harmful stereotypes. For example, linking autism to violence (in characters like Michael Myers or Jason Voorhees) is inaccurate and damaging, as research has shown that autistic individuals are no more likely to engage in violence than neurotypical people. Instead, the parallels often revolve around themes of social misunderstanding, isolation, and the struggle to fit into society.

 

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