In case you didn’t know, today is National Autism Awareness Day. Read the full post.
Apr 2
2008
07:48 PM ET
Taking a moment for National Autism Awareness Day
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Concerning Firefly, River Tam’s autism isn’t true. If she was autistic, she would display several more symptoms and the most notable for the purposes of television would be her complete social disengagement and isolation from others. Whatever would happen around her would have an insignificant or no affect whatsoever on her mental state. There are several episodes such as War Stories or Ariel that demonstrate clearly that she is concerned with what takes place around her. While it is with good intent to bring attention to a very serious disorder that affects many people, this is a rather quick and misunderstood judgment to make based on the actions of a character that we (the viewing audience) comprehend through the interactions with those that around her. Keep in mind, there are significant differences between autism-like symptoms, and and the actual disorder. Why is it not mentioned that she is possibly schizophrenic when she hears voices?
I recommend ‘Autism the Musical’. The varying degrees of autism and it’s ‘spectrum’ is quite evident when you watch all of these kids. We always tend to put entertainers and celebs on pedestals as if they’re heroes. The real heroes in this world are these kids and their devoted parents. True gems!
The first time I ever heard the word ‘autism’ was on St. Elsewhere back in the 80′s (a doctor had an autistic son). It’s now some 20 odd years later and I have an autistic son. I’m so glad the world is waking up and taking interest. I know tooo many families in my small community that have been affected by ASD. But it gives me hope knowing so many people are at least talking about it.
I’m the mother of one of those 1 in 150. His name is Nicholas, and he’s wonderful, and I love him to pieces, and thank you for asking people to think before they judge me when my child acts out. I’m not a bad parent, and he’s not a bad kid, but people look at him that way sometimes and it makes the mama bear in me want to snarl.
PS Firefly rocks, Joss Whedon is tha man. I’m a huge fan.
To Kyle: Not all people with autism are completely disengaged from what’s going on around them. That’s a misconception. My 11 year old has autism, and let me tell you, he is almost hyper-aware of what’s going on in his surroundings. He’s obsessively aware, and that is also symptomatic of autism. It’s called a spectrum disorder for a reason; because the symptoms are different from one end of the spectrum to the other.
For Daniel and anyone else touched by the autism spectrum: my heart goes out to you. You are all truly magnificent people.
I grew up with a brother who has Asperger’s, and I remember having a difficult time understanding how he saw the world and how odd he behaved in comparison to “normal” kids. For anyone interested in Asperger’s, “Mozart and the Whale” is an excellent story about a man with Asperger’s who runs a support group for the disorder. It really helped vocalize what my brother could never seem to explain, and our relationship is stronger now because of it.
i’m mom to graham, a wonderful six year old with autism. FYI, some other movies are: The Boy Who Could Fly, Under the Piano with Megan Follows, Mercury Rising(not very good, though)…..a few TV shows like House and Scrubs have made episodes about it, and Night of Too Many Stars, the Comedy Central Benefit Concert. Thanks for ALL the awareness, though!
Not a movie, but the book “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” is about an autistic child. It’s told from his point of view so gives good insight into his behaviors. A really good book.
“David’s Mother” is an excellent made-for-tv movie with Kirstie Alley as a mother of an autistic teenager, and the sacrifices she’s had to make in her life in order to take care of her son.
This American Life also did an episode with a segment about autism. You can listen to it here: http://thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=317
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