Framing Autism: A Content Analysis of Five Major News Frames in US-Based Newspapers

• In Event: Health News: Autism, Hep B, HIV

Abstract

Childhood autism has become a serious issue in the U.S. society, yet few studies addressed this issue from media framing perspective. To fill this gap in literature, this study examined the framing of childhood autism news stories in U.S.-based local and national newspapers. Based on previous studies, the following five major news frames were identified and measured: (a) attribution of responsibility, (b) human interest, (c) conflict, (d) morality, and (e) economic consequences. Under the theoretical framework of framing theory, a content analysis of news stories was conducted to investigate the presence of the five news frames using an established 20-item questionnaire. Findings revealed that news stories about autism were largely framed as human interest pieces. Furthermore, the study disclosed local and national newspapers tended to adopt different frames for childhood autism. Articles published in different sections also showed varied preferences on employing the five frames.

Authors

• Jessica E Wendorf, University of Miami

• Fan Yang, University of Miami