Les personnages avec syndrome d’Asperger se multiplient dans la littérature, au cinéma et à la télévision. Le grand public découvre ainsi l’existence d’une extrémité du spectre autistique, éloignée des représentations anciennes. Un groupe de cliniciens expérimentés a examiné de façon systématisée les œuvres de fiction, produites entre 2000 et 2010, mettant en scène un personnage avec syndrome d’Asperger. Plus de 30 œuvres ont ainsi été répertoriées puis analysées avec une méthode adaptée du focus group. Les objectifs étaient de repérer les fonctions de ces personnages et d’essayer d’expliquer ce récent phénomène. Cinq fonctions principales ont été retenues : ces personnages intriguent, fascinent, suscitent l’empathie, parfois le rire par comique de situation et ils interrogent notre vision du monde. Quatre hypothèses explicatives sont discutées : l’information et la sensibilisation ; l’évolution du concept de « héros » vers des figures du milieu scientifique et de la communauté « Geek » ; une façon métaphorique d’envisager ces héros comme symboles d’une société future hyper systématisée, en mal d’empathie et enfin la résonance personnelle. En conclusion, la diffusion de tels personnages de fiction et de leurs caractères spécifiques contribue à faire du syndrome d’Asperger une composante culturelle de notre société moderne.

During recent years, fictions featuring a character with Asperger syndrome have been increasingly produced in literature, cinema and TV. Thus, the public has gradually discovered the existence of this specific category of autism spectrum, which is far removed from old popular representations of autistic disorders, often associated with mental retardation.

To describe the reactions generated by these characters in order to identify their major functions and also to try to explain their recent increase in fictions.

First, we explored international publications concerning this topic. A group of experienced clinicians systematically examined works of fiction produced between 2000 and 2010 that included a character with Asperger syndrome. More than 30 productions have been identified and analyzed using a method adapted from focus group.

Over 30 productions have been recorded and analyzed. The reactions generated by these characters are described. They range from fascination to empathy; if these heroes sometimes induce laughter (because of comedy situations), they also lead us to question our vision of the world and ask ourselves about notions such as difference, normality and tolerance. We illustrate this phenomenon with examples from literature, cinema or television.

Four hypotheses are proposed trying to explain the recent multiplication of these fictional characters with Asperger syndrome. The first puts forward authors’ informative and educational motivations, these authors being aware of this issue. The second is supported by the “hero” concept, which has evolved gradually into the figures of the scientific world and the so-called “Geek” community. The third hypothesis, a metaphorical one, considers these heroes as symbols of a future society: a hyper systematized society, devoid of empathy, as if to warn of a risk of evolution of humanity toward a generalized mental blindness. The fourth and last hypothesis explores the personal resonance, supported by identification mechanisms.

The dissemination of such fictional characters and their specific characteristics helps make Asperger syndrome a cultural component of our modern society. Such a wide distribution, supported or even promoted by associations, could contribute to better information and therefore to greater acceptance of these persons who frequently experience releases and harassment. Whatever the fate of Asperger syndrome in future classifications, the multiplication and the success of fictional productions demonstrate a growing and probably irreversible enrollment in popular culture.