Outnumbered, BBC1, 29 January 2014: Finding by the Editorial Complaints Unit

Complaint

A viewer complained that a character’s reference to a frustrating and inflexible computer system as being “on the autistic spectrum” perpetuated a negative stereotype.

Outcome

The ECU agreed that, on this occasion, there was insufficient editorial justification for alluding to a disability in this way.

Upheld

Further action

The commissioning team have discussed the finding and the issues it raises in relation to the treatment of disability in comedy. The episode will be edited prior to any repeat.