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Taking a moment for National Autism Awareness Day

Apr 2, 2008, 03:48 PM | by Marc Bernardin

Categories: Current Affairs, I'm Just a Geek, Sci-Fi

Firefly_l In case you didn't know, today is National Autism Awareness Day. Of course, if you're one of the parents of the 1-in-150 children born today that suffer with autistic spectrum disorder, every day is autism awareness day. I initially thought I'd commemorate the day by writing a gallery of Great Depictions of Autism in Movies and TV — but when I started to look, I didn't find all that many. There are a few terrific documentaries out there, like Autism Every Day (which I saw at Sundance a few years back, and wrecked me) and HBO's Autism: The Musical, but I couldn't find enough to fill out a decent list.

The acknowledged cinematic standard-bearer is Rain Man — a fine movie, to be sure, and Dustin Hoffman's performance was deft and heartfelt. But he was playing an autistic-savant, a very rare autism subset which doesn't reflect the condition as it resides in most households.

Oddly enough, I found one of the most mature, knowing, tender portrayals of a child with autism in the last place I'd have thought to look. Maybe because I'd been looking at it all along.

In doing my "research" for our awesome new PopWatch feature Firefly Fridays (I know, tough job I've got, watching a show that I already love again and again), I noticed something that I hadn't before. Despite the sci-fi frooferoo, Summer Glau's River Tam (pictured, right, with Sean Maher as her brother, Simon) is, for all intents and purposes, autistic. She wavers between lucidity and mania, she "stims" with her hands, she repeats phrases over and over (known as echolalia); the only thing predictable about her is that she's unpredictable. But she can also be sweet, and playful, and a joy to be around.

Which, now that I think about it, is exactly how I'd describe my five-year-old daughter. Of course, my kid isn't a government-created killing machine and there's no "easy" remedy for what ails her, no one to blame. But Joss Whedon's show doesn't skirt River's illness, doesn't soft-pedal it, and doesn't ever make it look easy to live with.

So, for the rest of today — heck, give it the whole month, since April is Autism Awareness Month — if you see a parent struggling with a child who seems a little too energetic, a little too loud, a little too much... think a moment before wondering why said parent can't get a handle on their kid. Do it for River.


Josh Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

Wonderful post.

SJ Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

"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

Ames Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

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.

jenny Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 10:47 AM EST

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!

Melissa Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

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.

liliom Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

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.

Crystal Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

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.

aaron's mom Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

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.

mary Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 07:25 AM EST

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!

kyle Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 10:29 PM EST

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?

rainbow Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 10:21 PM EST

Autism isn't an illness, and not everyone with autism "suffers" from it. In fact, most autistic people would not "suffer" at all if it weren't for the way most non-autistic people treat them.

Movie Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST

"Mozart and the Whale", with Josh Hartnett and Rhada Mitchell is a good movie about adults with high functioning autism and Asperger's.

In regards to kids, "Autism-The Musical" (see hbo.com) is the best.

Leila - To Kisu Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

Kisu, the problem with that sort of movie is that it depicts a false image of autism, as if it's a result of some psychological trauma. Absolutely not. Autism is embedded on the genes, and it is noticeable by the time the child turns 3 years old. Autism impacts the pathways/connections in the brain, and therefore autistic people perceive the world in a different way. They have a hard time learning language, communication, social rules. They may be over or under sensitive to touch and sound and sights. They have repetitive behaviors and sometimes odd physical movements. In a nutshell, it's not caused by trauma.

Leila Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 06:47 PM EST

Hi, I have a 4 year-old with autism. Thanks for posting this. I just wanted to say that my autistic child is the most affectionate boy I've ever met, and has some amazing moments of genius... The language delay is what worries me, and the lack of social awareness. He also has a hard time leaving a fun activity when I ask him to go to school/take a bath/etc. But all in all he can be easier to handle than most "perfect" kids. You just have to learn to adjust your expectations and have fun playing along with him.

kisu Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

Another good flick to honor the day, "House of Cards" with Kathleen Turner. The child's symptoms revert after sorting out a trauma, but despite this convenience, the compassion and style are sweet and seem authentic. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107148/

Daniel Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 06:23 PM EST

I myself have Asperger's Syndrome, although it only really affected my life and caused problems for me until about the tenth grade. Now I live a fairly normal life, with fewer obstacles. Y'know how people with Aspergers have obsessive interests? Well, mine is EW: Since 2004, I've read every issue, cover to cover, as well as about 90% of all the online material. I'm the go-to guy at school for all things pop culture.

Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

In respons to "Friday", I have to say that autism is NOT a disease. It's a neurological difference.

Marc Bernardin Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 05:30 PM EST

Yes, hanncoll, I know what caused River's condition. But, as designed by Firefly's creators, it "exhibits" like autism. Which was my point. Hence the "for all intents and purposes" bit.

hanncoll Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

River Tam is mentally ill -- probably suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, among other things. She's not autistic. You DO realize there's a difference in autism and mental illness, don't you?

khrystyne Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

I was at a mall in West Hartford with my autistic then-four ear old son. He decided to have a meltdown right in the middle of the mall. Two women walked by me, giving me dirty looks, saying just loud enough for me to hear what a horrible mother I was for "letting" my child do that. Trying not to lose what calmness I had left (meltdowns can be very trying), I explained he was autistic. They seemed quite embarrassed. I hope they learned that just because a child looks "typical" (there is no such word as normal), he might have a condition not visible to their small mindsets.

Claire Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

My best friend's sons are both autistic. I've watched her fight for their rights in their suburban school system with awe. It baffles me that even special ed programs don't know how to work with autistic kids.

LisaMama Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

A good friend of mine has an autistic son, and I have to say that I love the time I spend with Sam. He is so focused and passionate about whatever his current obsession is -- I recall a game of Go Fish that went on for a full hour. Most kids can't sit still for 20 minutes! And my kids have learned a lot from being around Sam, too. They are kind and patient with someone they don't necessarily understand, something most kids and adults still need to learn.
I can't think of any good fictional examples, but I do appreciate the way Jenny McCarthy has spoken out on behalf of her son. She is honest, educated, and sincere.

Jen Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

One of the doctors on St Elsewhere (I think) had an autistic son. I was a kid and it was the first time I had heard of it.

Frank (Mayor's Income, TN) Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

Snow Cake is a good movie, though not great. Sigourney Weaver plays an autistic mother, and Alan Rickman proves again what a wonderful actor he is. For those looking for an honest potrayal of autism, check it out.

Friday Wed, Apr 2, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

God Bless you and your daughter. It seems like so much progress has been made toward figuring out this disease..I hope it continues and we can unlock the mystery of autism.


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