Showing posts with label Asperger's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asperger's. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2012
Daniel (P.S. I Love You)
Diagnosis: Asperger's
Portrayed by
Harry Connick, Jr.
Daniel is an adult bartender, a minor character, who makes
harsh and abrasive comments, and clearly doesn’t think before speaking. He
frequently jokes about his condition and “takes a pill” every time he does or
says something horrible.
(Pills for Happiness Clip)
Since Daniel has little screen time, we know very little about him or his disorder. I really HATE that they gave his character Asperger's because the main thing we find out about him is from the scene above.
Just clarify, there is no medication used to "treat" autism itself. Although there
is no known cure or prevention, there are many treatments that can reduce some
of the challenges students might face. Treatments are tailored specifically to
an individual's strengths, weaknesses and needs. Biomedical interventions include
modification of diet, immune system regulation and medication to treat
coexisting symptoms (e.g. anxiety or hyperactivity). Nonmedical treatments
include behavioral modification and educational approaches (special education)
and speech, physical and/or occupational therapies.
Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) is a widely used technique intended to shape and reinforce
positive or new behaviors and reduce undesirable ones. It involves an intense,
one-on-one child-therapist (or teacher) interaction. It is often used to teach
verbal behavior or is used as “pivotal response” training. Social skills
training programs are also important to teach a child social norms, including
personal space, making eye contact, not to interrupt, to play nicely with
peers, have manners, etc. This misinformation is dangerous and because there is medication available to treat many childhood disorders, people assume there is also medication to treat ASD. This is completely incorrect.
If the writers are bothering to include this character, they should really do their research to find out what is correct. Conveying incorrect information is wrong and misleading for the viewers. Have you seen the movie? What did you think about this scene?
Oskar (Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close)
Diagnosis: Suspected Asperger's
Portrayed by Thomas Horn
Portrayed by Thomas Horn
Oskar is a young boy who is the main character in this
movie. Although he has no official diagnosis for Asperger’s (he says “test were
inconclusive”), he shows many of the signs and symptoms of the syndrome. He
mentions having a hard time talking to people, is sensitive to loud sounds, is
paranoid and fearful of new things, is wary of those who are different and
panics on public transportation (especially bridges). Oskar also likes rubbing
textures on his face, plays the piano, relies on the truth, and is unwilling to
try new things (swinging with his father). He makes eye contact and does not
care about being touched, and uses a tambourine to keep himself calm while
stressed. He is very inquisitive, knows many random facts, and loves learning
from his father, who is killed in the World Trade Centers on 9/11. Before his
death, his father designs plan to send him all over Central Park to force him
to talk to people and gain social skills. The movie focuses on this journey
were he does venture out of his comfort zone.
While I did not like this movie in general (it was slow), I though it was a very interesting and unique look into a boy's adventure after his father's death. Even without the official diagnosis, he has many symptoms of a high functioning child with ASD and I would never doubt that he was on the spectrum. This movie shows that you don't need to have all the symptoms, or severe symptoms, for a suspected diagnosis. The adventure allows the viewers to watch an "atypical" child learn and grow from the experiences he has, especially those outside his comfort zone. It would have been better for the screenwriters to officially label the boy, because this message would be valuable to the general public.
TV Character Without Official Diagnoses
There are several characters who are thought to have an ASD, but their respective shows have never officially diagnosed them.
1 & 2. "Dr. Temperance Brennan" and "Dr. Zack Addy" on Bones
Portrayed by Emily Deschanel and Eric Millegan
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's
In an interview with Emily Deschanel she said, "Hart Hanson, the creator of the show, and I discuss, you know, that my character almost has Asperger syndrome, and, you know, if a maybe if it was a film, that I maybe specifically would have Asperger's," she said."If you look at the character of Zack, [Brennan's graduate assistant] played by Eric Millegan, he almost definitely has Asperger syndrome..." It has also been reported that Hanson and the other Bones team wanted Brennan to have Asperger's but FOX rejected the idea, saying the show would reach a larger audience without a diagnosis. Regardless, there is no official diagnosis for either character. I am a huge fan of this show, and I would not necessarily just to an Autism diagnosis for Deschanel's character. Temperance Brennan is socially awkward and has limited interpersonal skills, but that could be attributed to her life in foster care and finding comfort in science instead of the family she lost. I would agree that Zack's character is more likely to have Asperger's.
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's and mild obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
4. "Dr. Sheldon Cooper" on The Big Bang Theory
Portrayed by Jim Parsons
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's and OCD
Series co-creator, Bill Prady said in an interview, "We write the character as the character. A lot of people see various things in him and make the connections. Our feeling is that Sheldon's mother never got a diagnosis, so we don't have one". It is clear that they chose to not label his behavior, even though he does have some symptoms that could be seen as Aspergerian.
I find it very interesting that all these characters are highly intelligent and have doctorates (or multiple degrees) in science related fields. Multiple show creators and producers have stated they have avoided the official diagnosis because it comes with too much responsibility in accuracy portraying the characters and the mystery adds to the show's appeal. Since we have talked about the spectrum part of the disorder, it is possible for the audience to see these known imparments and believe they have a milder form, which is completely acceptable. It is also possible that chacters are just different and the audience wants to label them. Everyone has quirks and challenges, and not everyone who has social impairments has Asperger's.
1 & 2. "Dr. Temperance Brennan" and "Dr. Zack Addy" on Bones
Portrayed by Emily Deschanel and Eric Millegan
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's
In an interview with Emily Deschanel she said, "Hart Hanson, the creator of the show, and I discuss, you know, that my character almost has Asperger syndrome, and, you know, if a maybe if it was a film, that I maybe specifically would have Asperger's," she said."If you look at the character of Zack, [Brennan's graduate assistant] played by Eric Millegan, he almost definitely has Asperger syndrome..." It has also been reported that Hanson and the other Bones team wanted Brennan to have Asperger's but FOX rejected the idea, saying the show would reach a larger audience without a diagnosis. Regardless, there is no official diagnosis for either character. I am a huge fan of this show, and I would not necessarily just to an Autism diagnosis for Deschanel's character. Temperance Brennan is socially awkward and has limited interpersonal skills, but that could be attributed to her life in foster care and finding comfort in science instead of the family she lost. I would agree that Zack's character is more likely to have Asperger's.
3. “Dr. Spencer Reid” on Criminal Minds
Portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's and mild obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Spencer's character is socially awkward, misses social cues, has several splinter skills involving science and math, and is extremely intelligent. In season 8, episode 3, a family is kidnapped, including their son who has Asperger's. Because of this exposure, Reid's new coworker slyly suggests that he may have Asperger's too, which Reid ignores.
4. "Dr. Sheldon Cooper" on The Big Bang Theory
Portrayed by Jim Parsons
Suspected Diagnosis: Asperger's and OCD
Series co-creator, Bill Prady said in an interview, "We write the character as the character. A lot of people see various things in him and make the connections. Our feeling is that Sheldon's mother never got a diagnosis, so we don't have one". It is clear that they chose to not label his behavior, even though he does have some symptoms that could be seen as Aspergerian.
I find it very interesting that all these characters are highly intelligent and have doctorates (or multiple degrees) in science related fields. Multiple show creators and producers have stated they have avoided the official diagnosis because it comes with too much responsibility in accuracy portraying the characters and the mystery adds to the show's appeal. Since we have talked about the spectrum part of the disorder, it is possible for the audience to see these known imparments and believe they have a milder form, which is completely acceptable. It is also possible that chacters are just different and the audience wants to label them. Everyone has quirks and challenges, and not everyone who has social impairments has Asperger's.
Wally Stevens (Law and Order: Criminal Intent)
Diagnosis: Asperger's Syndrome
Portrayed by Mark Linn-Bake
Season 2, "Probability"; Season 6, "Endgame"
Wally Stevens is an insurance company employee who is sent to help the NY detectives with a case involving fourteen murdered homeless people in an insurance fraud scheme. The
detectives quickly notice his repetitive movements, including rhythmically tapping his
fingers on the desk to remain focused and calm. Mr. Stevens doesn’t share personal information except that he plays the piano very well.
After their first interaction, one detectives calls him "geeky". He admits early in the episode that he has trouble making eye contact and says “If I look at people for more than 2/3 of the time I seem aggressive. If I look at someone for less than 1/3 of the time he seems dishonest.” He says he is working on more appropriate nonverbal practices. When the detectives start to notice several small patterns within the case, they realize that Stevens must have something to do with the deaths. One detective makes the connection and informs his colleagues of his suspicion that Wally has Asperger's; “symptoms include the need to create and duplicate patters, impairment of nonverbal behavior such as eye to eye gaze, flexible adherence to routines, often coupled with high intelligence and the tendency to become preoccupied with a particular subject…. It’s a high functioning form of Autism. It’s why Wally Stevens can’t empathize, it’s why he can’t connect…” They trick Mr. Stevens into freely marking two locations on a map, which happen to coincide with the patterns emerging from the previous murders. During the confrontation, the detectives tell Mr. Stevens that he is making these patters, has lost his wife and has social trouble because he has Asperger's. He was previously undiagnosed, but there is a sense of relief because he now knows why his wife and children left him, why he needs certain routines and why acts the way he does. It becomes a scapegoat for him, something that he can blame his actions on.
Beside the serial killer aspect of Wally's character, the representation follows the stereotypical, focusing on repetitive patterns, difficulty with eye contact, and high intelligence. I thought it was a mediocre, generic representation. For someone who has no other exposure to ASD, making this character a serial killer is a slippery slope for misrepresentations. While I'm sure the show portrays many different types of murderers, labeling someone with a social disorder a killer can only perpetrate negative stereotypes.
Like I've mentioned before, I would really stress the importance of writing characters who are more varied in their actions and behaviors. Since most of the shows are just focusing on the disorder for one to three episodes, it is hard to include a great deal of information, different types of characters with Autism or provide glimpses of one's personality over a longer period of time. Instead they cram many behaviors into a very short timeframe and for them, it's easier to choose the commonly known behaviors. I applaud all the shows for trying, but I do wish they really looked at how these portrayals affected their audience.
** I could not find any videos for your connivence, but the episodes are available through iTunes and Amazon.
After their first interaction, one detectives calls him "geeky". He admits early in the episode that he has trouble making eye contact and says “If I look at people for more than 2/3 of the time I seem aggressive. If I look at someone for less than 1/3 of the time he seems dishonest.” He says he is working on more appropriate nonverbal practices. When the detectives start to notice several small patterns within the case, they realize that Stevens must have something to do with the deaths. One detective makes the connection and informs his colleagues of his suspicion that Wally has Asperger's; “symptoms include the need to create and duplicate patters, impairment of nonverbal behavior such as eye to eye gaze, flexible adherence to routines, often coupled with high intelligence and the tendency to become preoccupied with a particular subject…. It’s a high functioning form of Autism. It’s why Wally Stevens can’t empathize, it’s why he can’t connect…” They trick Mr. Stevens into freely marking two locations on a map, which happen to coincide with the patterns emerging from the previous murders. During the confrontation, the detectives tell Mr. Stevens that he is making these patters, has lost his wife and has social trouble because he has Asperger's. He was previously undiagnosed, but there is a sense of relief because he now knows why his wife and children left him, why he needs certain routines and why acts the way he does. It becomes a scapegoat for him, something that he can blame his actions on.
Beside the serial killer aspect of Wally's character, the representation follows the stereotypical, focusing on repetitive patterns, difficulty with eye contact, and high intelligence. I thought it was a mediocre, generic representation. For someone who has no other exposure to ASD, making this character a serial killer is a slippery slope for misrepresentations. While I'm sure the show portrays many different types of murderers, labeling someone with a social disorder a killer can only perpetrate negative stereotypes.
Like I've mentioned before, I would really stress the importance of writing characters who are more varied in their actions and behaviors. Since most of the shows are just focusing on the disorder for one to three episodes, it is hard to include a great deal of information, different types of characters with Autism or provide glimpses of one's personality over a longer period of time. Instead they cram many behaviors into a very short timeframe and for them, it's easier to choose the commonly known behaviors. I applaud all the shows for trying, but I do wish they really looked at how these portrayals affected their audience.
** I could not find any videos for your connivence, but the episodes are available through iTunes and Amazon.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Max Braverman (Parenthood)
Diagnosis: Asperger's Syndrome
Portrayed by Max Burkholder
Recurring Character
Interview with Max Burkholder and Monica Potter (who plays his mother)
Max is a recurring, main character in “Parenthood”, who is
diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome early in the first season. Because the show is now in its
fourth season, the audience is privy to a great deal of knowledge about his life and we gain new information about Max and his diagnosis during almost every episode.
Max exhibits social impairments, in his nonverbal communication skills, ability to make friends, and a lack of empathy (including in the current season when the family is faced with other devastating news). Max is fascinated by insects and reptiles, and is often motivated by the opportunity to get a new book on a critter. He doesn’t understand sarcasm or metaphors, and is seen being bullied by his neuro-typical classmates.
Max exhibits social impairments, in his nonverbal communication skills, ability to make friends, and a lack of empathy (including in the current season when the family is faced with other devastating news). Max is fascinated by insects and reptiles, and is often motivated by the opportunity to get a new book on a critter. He doesn’t understand sarcasm or metaphors, and is seen being bullied by his neuro-typical classmates.
(This is a short clip showing some of Max's interests and his honesty)
There is a great deal of screen time devoted to this storyline which allows for deeper investigation into his Aspergian characteristics. One of the best parts is this show's portrayal of the family dynamic and how it changes once they learn of the son's diagnosis. It shows these parents who are trying to navigate this unfamiliar territory. Early in the second season Max's dad says, "I love my son to pieces, but it's a little like living on an island with theses weird rules that don't apply to other people. Thinking all the time, is this going to set him off, what's that noise, should I drive home a different way to avoid the barking dog... always living with that pressure, always. So much, that it feels like you can't breathe sometimes" (Adam Braverman, Father, 2x05). This, along with many other episodes where Max's mother and father are struggling with their child's diagnosis, allow viewers a unique insight into the struggles a family might face and how the unknown is very scary for the entire family. Writers also do a fair job showing Max's strengths. It's important for parents and teachers to tailor activities to the student's strengths ranter than always trying to "fix" their impairments.
One of my favorite episodes, "Amazing Andy and His Wonderful World of Bugs" (2x16), shows an adult with Asperger's. Adam and Kristina hire Andy, a bug expert, to put on a show at Max's birthday party. It later comes out that Andy has Asperger's himself, and I was initially surprised that the couple did not recognize his symptoms earlier. It is clear that Adam and Kristina were caught off guard by his age and independence. It was relieving for the entire family to see a successful and fully functional adult and that instilled them with a great sense of hope for Max's future.
Of all the shows and movies I have watched, "Parenthood" offers the most realistic portrayal of a young boy with Asperger's. Because they have the advantage of multiple seasons to coninually add new information, they have contributed to public awareness of Autism and Asperger's. Most importantly, they know that Autism is not a cookie-cutter or one size fits all deal. They explore some aspects of the disorder without following all stereotypes. During my research I learned that the show's producer, Jason Katims, has a teenage son with Asperger's. In an interview he said "My hope would be that it normalizes it, so there's no stigma to it, no mystery to it". His personal experience has transformed into his mission to help eliminate the misunderstanding of Autism. As with many other minority groups, correct and positive portrayals to the masses can help spread awareness. There is no question that people have learned about Autism from "Parenthood".
Monday, November 19, 2012
Dr. Dixon (Grey's Anatomy)
Diagnosis: Asperger's Syndrome
Portrayed by Mary McDonnell
Throughout her three-episode story arch, Dr. Dixon, a cardiac surgeon new to Seattle Grace Hospital, displays a obvious aversion to physical contact, strict adherence to rules and has panic attacks when situations lie outside of her control or deviate from a plan. Her coworkers describe this behavior as "a little off".
After having a horrible first day at the new hospital, Dixon confronts Dr. Bailey, a fellow surgeon, saying, “I only have one real area of interest: the human heart and I love it. I like its regularity. I know everything there is to know about it. I like its predictability. It has rules. Every chamber has a function. Every function has a movement. I like the color, it’s comforting”. She reveals her diagnosis, which Bailey describes as “significant impairment during social situations”. Dixon continues, “I’m not good as cues like sarcasm or condescension, but I do know when I’m being manipulated and I know when being made fun of. I don’t think I like this hospital very much. I don’t think I like this hospital at all."
I think her portrayal reinforces many of the common stereotypes that I would like to see diffused. If you were looking for a cliché representation of Asperger's, then McDonnell does a fantastic job and the authors wrote a great script. [Remember, these are my personal feelings.] Autism and Asperger's are not black and white, and all individuals with the diagnosis have a different experience and varying symptoms. It's a spectrum disorder, after all. Why do we need to change these conventional ideas? The depictions should attempt to show a wider range of ability and impairments. Dixon's character encompasses the majority of the diagnostic criteria to the extremes, when a true diagnosis is often more subtle. Just think about how this could affect a parent who's child is newly diagnosed. I see parents who are scared and in denial because their child's symptoms are not as "severe".
So, what do you think? Is showing this stereotyped behavior better?
Portrayed by Mary McDonnell
Season 5 ("These Ties That Bind", "All by Myself", "Beat Your Heart Out")
(McDonnell discusses playing a character with Asperger's)
Throughout her three-episode story arch, Dr. Dixon, a cardiac surgeon new to Seattle Grace Hospital, displays a obvious aversion to physical contact, strict adherence to rules and has panic attacks when situations lie outside of her control or deviate from a plan. Her coworkers describe this behavior as "a little off".
After having a horrible first day at the new hospital, Dixon confronts Dr. Bailey, a fellow surgeon, saying, “I only have one real area of interest: the human heart and I love it. I like its regularity. I know everything there is to know about it. I like its predictability. It has rules. Every chamber has a function. Every function has a movement. I like the color, it’s comforting”. She reveals her diagnosis, which Bailey describes as “significant impairment during social situations”. Dixon continues, “I’m not good as cues like sarcasm or condescension, but I do know when I’m being manipulated and I know when being made fun of. I don’t think I like this hospital very much. I don’t think I like this hospital at all."
I think her portrayal reinforces many of the common stereotypes that I would like to see diffused. If you were looking for a cliché representation of Asperger's, then McDonnell does a fantastic job and the authors wrote a great script. [Remember, these are my personal feelings.] Autism and Asperger's are not black and white, and all individuals with the diagnosis have a different experience and varying symptoms. It's a spectrum disorder, after all. Why do we need to change these conventional ideas? The depictions should attempt to show a wider range of ability and impairments. Dixon's character encompasses the majority of the diagnostic criteria to the extremes, when a true diagnosis is often more subtle. Just think about how this could affect a parent who's child is newly diagnosed. I see parents who are scared and in denial because their child's symptoms are not as "severe".
See for yourself! Someone has so graciously sliced together the Dr. Dixon scenes from all three episodes:
So, what do you think? Is showing this stereotyped behavior better?
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